Uganda Considers Moving Capital from Kampala to Nakasongola

Uganda could be heading toward one of the biggest administrative changes in its history, following a government proposal to gradually shift the country’s capital functions from Kampala to Nakasongola.

State Minister for Urban Development Margaret Muhanga told Parliament’s Lands and Housing Committee that President Yoweri Museveni supports the proposal, which would see government ministries, departments and agencies relocated to Nakasongola in phases. The process could extend toward 2040, rather than happening as an immediate move. (Pulse Uganda⁠)

The proposal is being driven largely by Kampala’s growing congestion, traffic and urban-planning challenges. Muhanga argued that Kampala has become increasingly difficult to manage and said the government needs to consider building a new, properly planned administrative centre rather than continuing to concentrate government institutions in the capital.

Why Nakasongola?

Government officials and supporters of the proposal point to Nakasongola’s relatively central location, large amount of available land and lower population density as advantages. These factors could allow planners to design a new city from the ground up, with dedicated areas for Parliament, ministries, courts, security institutions, housing and other government infrastructure.

The idea is not entirely new. In December 2024, Members of Parliament also discussed relocating some government functions away from Kampala, with Nakasongola specifically suggested as a possible location for Parliament and a new political centre. (parliament.go.ug⁠)

Kampala could remain Uganda’s economic hub

The proposal does not necessarily mean Kampala would disappear or lose its importance. One possible model would see Nakasongola develop as Uganda’s political and administrative capital while Kampala remains the country’s major commercial and economic centre.

Such a model would be similar in principle to countries that have separated political and commercial functions between different cities.

However, relocating the capital would be an enormous undertaking. It would require major investment in roads, electricity, water, telecommunications, housing, public transport and government buildings. It would also require careful planning to prevent a new capital from developing the same congestion and infrastructure problems that Kampala faces today.

A long-term project

The government’s reported plan is therefore not an overnight relocation. Instead, ministries and agencies would potentially move gradually, with the broader development extending over many years.

For now, the proposal represents a long-term government plan rather than an immediate replacement of Kampala as Uganda’s capital. The coming years will determine whether the idea moves from political discussion and planning into actual construction and relocation.

If implemented successfully, Nakasongola could eventually become the centre of Uganda’s government, while Kampala continues to serve as the country’s commercial powerhouse.