The Bishop of Masaka Catholic Diocese, Severus Jjumba has reminded physical planners across the country to prioritize rural development in town centers as Uganda is increasingly becoming urban.

During the 75th World Town Planning Day celebrations in Masaka city Uganda on Wednesday November 13, 2024, Uganda joined the rest of the world to commemorate the National celebrations under the theme Homes Start with Planning.

According to Bishop Jjumba, city planners should be flexible with their office work and embark on community monitoring in order to identify physical planning deficiencies including rural areas surrounding the cities.

He further noted that this will have a multiplier effect of preventing slums in towns.

“Proper rural physical planning ensures good housing and deters rural-urban migration for good living conditions,” Bishop Jjumba said.

Doubling as the Guest of Honor, the State Minister for Urban Development, Ebiga Kania, cautioned physical planners to leave their comfort zone and make towns   better living areas.

The Masaka City Mayor, Florence Namayanja, expressed concerns over under staffing of city Physical Planning Departments emanating from challenges faced as municipalities to City level.

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The Chairperson of Physical Planners in Uganda who doubles as Jinja City Physical Planner, Charles Nampendo, reminded fellow planners that their cardinal role is to provide guidance about proper land use.

The World Town Planning Day is celebrated on every November 8th, annually aiming at recognizing the role of town planning in creating communities and to celebrate the art and science of shaping urban environment. It also provides opportunity to discuss global impact of city development on the environment.