NTUNGAMO, UGANDA – The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has urged members of the Municipal Development Forum (MDF) to serve as a bridge between political and civil leaders and the community to facilitate infrastructure development within their jurisdictions.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This call was made by David Kasimbazi, the Senior Physical Planner at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, during a one-day training for over 25 MDF members from Ntungamo Municipality at the municipal offices.
Kasimbazi noted that this approach will accelerate community sensitization and help convince residents of the benefits of government projects, which are cost-beneficial to landowners.
He emphasized that for any urban authority to benefit from the Uganda Cities & Municipalities Infrastructure Development Program (UCMID), submitted proposals must meet a 50% threshold for greening and include a cost-benefit analysis or risk rejection.
The UCMID program is a US$585 million, five-year initiative expected to run from FY 2025/26 to FY 2029/30. It will support 10 regional cities, 26 municipalities including Ntungamo and multiple district local governments that host large numbers of refugees.
Kasimbazi also encouraged members to strengthen community mobilization efforts and actively participate in the planning and implementation of government programs.
Ntungamo Municipality Town Clerk, Mukobi Silverio Byarufu, praised the ministry for advocating community engagement in decision-making to address issues that matter most to urban dwellers and improve their livelihoods.
Byarufu also thanked the ministry for launching the initiative ahead of the new phase of the program, now named UCMID.
While opening the training, Ntungamo Municipality Mayor, Jacob Kafureeka, urged the public to embrace community development by allowing government programs to utilize their lands where necessary.
Kafureeka commended the MDF members, led by President Lion Addah Kabarungi, for their strong turnout.
President Lion Addah Kabarungi appealed to members to apply the knowledge gained to improve collaboration with community members.
Mpora Vincent, the Principal Community Development Officer and MDF Coordinator, highlighted that the Municipal Development Forum focuses on urban planning, participatory planning, and conflict management.
The forum aims to empower members with skills to influence urban development policies, promote community participation, and enhance sustainable service delivery.
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