Cities Consortiumis a voluntary, non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization registered in Uganda (Reg. No. 80200003114969). It was formed following the enacting of the Parliamentary Act which created new cities in Uganda in 2020.
The overarching goal of Cities Consortium is to support and facilitate the development of well planned, equitable, inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities in Uganda through lobbying and advocacy, education and training, research, provision of services and implementation of city development programs.
Majid Batambuze, the founding Director of Cities Consortium , served as Executive Director from 2020 until July 2024. During his absence, his deputy, Ahmed Kaweesi, effectively assumed the role of Executive Director. Majid fully resumed his duties on 1st December 2025, with Ahmed supporting the transition to ensure continuity and strong leadership within the organization.
“Planned, inclusive, resilient and sustainable smart Uganda Cities underpinned by good governance.”
To support and facilitate the development of all the Uganda cities.
We execute our mission through advocacy and lobbying, education and training, research and surveys, provision of pertinent services and implementation of city oriented programs.
Obuntu urbanism is a philosophy of creating cities / urban spaces that are a synergy between people and their environment highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern city development.
Defining a City from Cities Consortium’s Perspective.
A city, as envisioned by the Cities Consortium, is a dynamic, inclusive, and culturally-rooted urban ecosystem that bridges African-centered values with contemporary urbanism. It is a space where culture, technology, agriculture, and well-being intersect to foster sustainable growth, equitable opportunities, and collective progress.
In the African context, cities must serve as guardians of cultural heritage, not conduits for its erosion. Unlike urban environments elsewhere that celebrate and preserve their cultural identities, many African cities have inadvertently become sites of cultural disconnection. To address this, we see a city as: “A hub for cultural continuity, innovation, and inclusivity, where African traditions harmonize with modern development, and urban spaces are designed to reflect the spirit of Ubuntu: shared humanity, dignity, and interconnectedness.”
This reimagining of cities underscores their potential as spaces for cultural exchange, innovation in technology, integration of sustainable agriculture, and the promotion of well-being for all.
The Ultimate Goal of Cities Consortium
The Cities Consortium seeks to cultivate a paradigm shift in how cities in Africa are conceptualized, planned, and developed. This vision culminates in the establishment of the Cities Consortium Museum, which will serve as:
1. A Repository of Urban Wisdom: Showcasing African urban planning models, sustainable innovations, and cultural artifacts that guide the design of future cities.
2. A Space for Dialogue: Hosting forums for African and global thinkers, policymakers, and innovators to co-create new urban frameworks.
3. A Catalyst for Change: Inspiring urban projects that celebrate African heritage, prioritize sustainability, and foster well-being.
The Museum will champion the idea of a city as a living artifact, blending history and modernity, and act as a guiding star for urban planners and stakeholders to reconstruct African cities rooted in cultural authenticity and global relevance.
Cities Consortium supports all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for peace, development and prosperity for all people and the Planet Earth, now and into the future. Our programs cut across and impact a number of SDGs. However, our founding vision, mission charter and overarching focus is on SDG 11.
