A shocking new Makerere University report has lifted the lid on how Kampala’s informal settlements have become a cash cow for political elites and land speculators, worsening the city’s already dire urban crisis.
The report, launched on February 13, 2025, by Minister of State for Urban Development, Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, as part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), reveals that informal settlements are not just areas of extreme poverty—but also strategic hubs where powerful individuals exploit land, infrastructure, and governance loopholes for personal gain.
Slums as Political Capital
According to the findings, informal settlements are increasingly used for political leverage, with powerful figures securing votes by blocking evictions, manipulating service delivery, and fueling land conflicts. Many landlords in these areas operate outside formal regulations, making huge profits while residents suffer from poor sanitation, lack of basic services, and insecure land tenure.
“The political elite benefit from keeping slums in their current state. These areas provide a reliable voter base, cheap labor, and avenues for illegal business activities,” said Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya, lead researcher from Makerere University’s Urban Action Lab.
Land Brokers & Corrupt Deals
The report further exposes how land brokers and corrupt city officials manipulate the land market, making it nearly impossible for residents to secure ownership. Speculators and politicians take advantage of legal loopholes to buy and sell land in informal settlements, creating an unpredictable and exploitative system.
“Many residents pay for the same piece of land multiple times because of fraudulent deals. There is no transparency, and powerful figures continue to benefit at the expense of the urban poor,” noted Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, one of the report’s contributors.
A City on the Brink?
With Kampala’s population growing at 5.6% annually, the city is racing towards a tipping point. The lack of proper urban planning, inefficient governance, and a growing youth population (46%) are making the situation worse.
“Kampala’s urban crisis is not just about infrastructure. It’s about who controls the land, who benefits from informality, and who suffers in the end,” Dr. Mukwaya added.
The report calls for urgent land reforms, stricter urban policies, and accountability measures to curb the exploitation of informal settlements. However, with entrenched interests at play, it remains to be seen whether Kampala’s power brokers will allow real change—or continue cashing in on the chaos.
