The KCCA will establish an urban forest reserve.
To increase climate resilience, the KCCA will establish an urban forest reserve.
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) aims to build an urban forest reserve to increase climate resilience, according to Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Lukwago made the announcement as the KCCA celebrated World Cities Day alongside the rest of the world.
He said that rules are already in place to assist in the implementation and protection of urban woods.
The United Nations established World Cities Day in 2013 to encourage worldwide interest in global urbanisation, advance city collaboration to address common challenges, and share good practices and opportunities with the goal of realizing the aspirations of SDG 11.
According to Lukwago, other cities’ success stories, such as Dubai’s transformation from a bleak desert village to a modern city in less than three decades, should be studied.
“Political will, clear policy direction, and proper resource allocation are the magic wands.” For example, Johannesburg’s annual budget is over $4 billion, Nairobi’s is over $400 million, and Kampala’s is around $170 million, including all donor-funded programs,” he noted.
According to Lukwago, the KCCA’s ambitious five-year development plan 2021-2025 calls for an annual budget of Shs 1.5 trillion, but the present budget framework document only allocates Shs 441 billion, despite the fact that Kampala generates 70% of the revenue.
“If we want to develop a city worthy of Africa’s pearl, we must have an open and honest discussion about these critical concerns.” Kampala, as the capital, should have its own budget. There isn’t any way around it. We have a long-term strategy based on NDP III and Vision 2040. By 2025, we want to have a city that is attractive and thriving. “Major investment is required to accomplish this objective,” Lukwago remarked.
The mayor of Kawempe division, Emmanuel Sserunjogi, stated that the country has many beneficial laws that are not executed.
He stated that it is not only the politicians’ obligation to manage climate change, but also the residents’ responsibilities.
