Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has unveiled a new draft Kampala Urban Forest Management Plan, urging residents to play an active role in building a greener and healthier city.
The plan, running from 2023/2024 to 2028/2029, was shared on June 17 during a stakeholder meeting at Hotel Africana. It proposes bold efforts to increase tree cover, protect green spaces, and promote environmental care across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
“This plan goes beyond policy, it is a call to action for all of us,” said Flavia Zabali, a GIS Analyst speaking on behalf of KCCA’s Director of Physical Planning. “We need residents, communities, schools, businesses, and institutions to embrace urban forestry as part of our shared responsibility to make Kampala green and liveable.”
The draft updates the 2019–2024 version and tackles gaps such as low community involvement, poor spatial coverage, and the rising impact of climate-related challenges.
It introduces modern mapping tools and shifts focus from tree planting to long-term tree growing. Protecting Kampala’s more than 161,000 trees remains central, with Nakawa Division leading in species diversity. Avocado and palm trees are the most common citywide.
The plan also aims to boost tree numbers in crowded areas where green space is scarce.
Professor Hosea Muhanguzi, team lead from Doshnut Consultants, led the plan’s development and highlighted the link between urban forests and city planning.
“Urban forests are not decorative they are essential infrastructure that support climate resilience, health, and quality of life,” Muhanguzi said.
The event drew representatives from the Buganda Kingdom, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and National Forestry Authority (NFA), who welcomed the plan’s inclusive nature and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities.
KCCA Secretary for Social Services, Olive Namazzi, urged residents to take action. “Plans are only as strong as the commitment behind them,” Namazzi said. “We must stop treating trees as disposable. Let’s grow them, care for them, and hold each other accountable.”
Participants gave feedback, shared ideas, and pledged support for local tree care efforts. Once completed, the plan will shape citywide greening programmes and reinforce Kampala’s vision as a forward-looking and environmentally conscious capital.
