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MAKING UGANDA’S URBAN POLICY LEGAL FRAMEWORK IMPROVE THE LIVELIHOODS OF KAMPALA’S SLAM DWELLERS, acase of bwaise slums
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
This section briefly describes the background to the problem, the problem statement, the purpose or aim of the study, significance, and scope of the proposed investigation.
Background
More than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, and this is set to increase, mostly driven by growth in developing countries, however About 1 billion people currently live in slum settlements almost a third of the world’s urban population and this could increase to 3 billion by 2050 (UN DESA, 2013).
This is one of the greatest transformations of the 21st century. During the next two decades the urban population of the world’s two poorest regions South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa is expected to double, this demographic shift has profound implications across various sectors, including infrastructure, economy, environment, and social dynamics (Demehin, 2022).
The influx of people into urban areas presents a considerable challenge for infrastructure development. Cities need to expand their transportation networks, water supply systems, waste management facilities, and housing options to accommodate the growing population (Damte, Manteaw, & Wrigley-Asante, 2023), The lack of adequate infrastructure can lead to congestion, pollution, and public health issues otherwise the number of slum dwellers globally is likely to increase this also further calls for a better legal system (Coulibaly, & Managi, 2022).
Urbanization also brings economic opportunities, as cities become hubs for commerce, industry, and innovation. Concentrating resources and talent in urban centers can spur economic growth, create jobs, and attract investment. However, this growth needs to be inclusive by having a proper legal frame work to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably among all residents (Patel et al., 2022).
No country has achieved middle-income status without urbanising. But to make the most of this phenomenon, new infrastructure housing, transport, hospitals, schools and public spaces needs to be put in place. Without adequate services to match demand, the rapid increase of urban populations will pose new challenges, not least in terms of poor housing, insecure tenure, and inequalities in access to utilities (Rugadya, 2020).
Urban policies are instrumental in promoting sustainable urban development by addressing challenges such as population growth, resource management, and environmental degradation. According to Nejad et al., (2021), emphasize the importance of integrated urban policies that balance economic growth with social equity and environmental protection. Land use and zoning regulations are critical components of urban policy that influence the spatial organization of cities. According to Najjumba-Mulindwa, (2013) zoning policies impact urban growth patterns, land values, and the distribution of amenities and services within cities.
Urban policies aimed at ensuring affordable housing play a vital role in addressing housing affordability challenges in rapidly growing urban areas. Nkrumah et al., (2023), discuss the effectiveness of various affordable housing policies, such as inclusionary zoning and housing subsidies, in promoting socio-economic diversity and reducing housing inequalities.
One of the primary challenges faced by slum areas in Uganda is entrenched poverty, which manifests in various forms such as limited access to formal employment, low wages, and inadequate social protection mechanisms. The lack of sustainable livelihood opportunities perpetuates a cycle of poverty, making it difficult for residents to break free from economic deprivation (Atusiimire et al., 2019), This economic vulnerability also contributes to food insecurity, inadequate housing, and limited access to education and healthcare services. Slum areas often grapple with inadequate infrastructure, including poor housing conditions, limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, unreliable electricity supply, and poorly maintained roads and transportation networks. These deficiencies not only affect the quality of life for residents but also pose significant health and safety risks. For instance, the absence of proper sanitation facilities increases the prevalence of waterborne diseases, while substandard housing exposes inhabitants to environmental hazards and structural vulnerabilities (Nuwematsiko et al., (2022).
Problem statement
The rapid urbanization and influx of people into cities, particularly in developing regions like South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, present significant challenges regarding infrastructure development, housing, and social equity. About one billion people currently live in slum settlements worldwide, with this number projected to triple by 2050. The lack of adequate infrastructure and a proper legal framework can lead to congestion, pollution, public health issues, and increased inequalities. This situation is exacerbated in areas like Kampala, Uganda, where 60% of the population resides in slums, facing entrenched poverty, substandard housing, and limited access to basic services like clean water and sanitation.
The existing Uganda National Urban Policy aims to create livable, organized, inclusive, productive, and sustainable urban areas. However, the policy’s effectiveness is hindered by challenges such as inadequate legal frameworks, including laws related to land use, environmental management, public health, building control, and physical planning. The continued proliferation of makeshift dwellings in environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands reflects weaknesses in implementing and enforcing these laws. Consequently, there is an urgent need to address these legal and regulatory gaps to improve the living conditions of slum dwellers and promote sustainable urban development in Kampala and other rapidly urbanizing regions, it is against this background that this study intends to making Uganda’s urban policy legal framework improve the livelihoods of Kampala’s slam dwellers.
General objective
The overall objective of the study is to determine what should be done to selected laws (Acts) in Uganda’s urban policy legal framework to improve the livelihoods of Kampala’s slam dwellers.
Specific objectives
- To establish the influence on Policy on sanitation on livelihoods of Kampala’s slam dwellers
- To investigate the Policy on land rights on livelihoods of Kampala’s slam dwellers.
- To assess the Policy on housing on livelihoods of Kampala’s slam dwellers.
Conceptual frame work
Urban policy legal framework (IV) livelihoods of Kampala’s slam dwellers (DV)
Intervening variables
Discussion
Kampala, like many rapidly growing cities in developing countries, faces significant challenges in managing urban growth while ensuring equitable development and inclusive governance. One of the key challenges in Kampala’s urban policy landscape is the prevalence of informal settlements, commonly known as slums. These settlements often emerge due to rapid urbanization, rural-urban migration, and a shortage of affordable housing. The independent variable urban policy legal frame work will be measured by; Policy on sanitation, Policy on land rights and Policy on housing while dependent variable will be measured by Improvement in quality of life, Improvement on education levels and Improvement on incomes of slum dwellers all these will be affected by intervening variable; Level of economic development and Political stability of the country.
METHODOLOGY
This section will provide information on how the study will be carried out specifically including; study design, study site, sampling procedure, methods of data collection, data analysis and ethical considerations.
5.1 Study Design
Research design is a plan and a structure of investigating so conceived as to obtain answers to research questions Kothari, (2004). The study intends to use descriptive research design because it attempts to collect data from members of a population in order to determine the current status of that population in respect to one or more variables, (Kothari, 2009). According to Mugenda and Mugenda (2003), descriptive research design is deemed to be the most appropriate method of doing this research as it involves an in depth study of the relationship between variables in the study.
5.2 Study Site
Study site refers to the place or the area in which the study will be conducted. In this case the area of the study will be at Bwaise slum areas. This place is situated in Kampala City Council, Kampala, Uganda, its geographical coordinates are 0° 21′ 3″ North, 32° 34′ 1″ East and its original name (with diacritics) is Bwaise
5.3 Sampling Procedure
Sampling refers to the systematic selection of a limited number of elements out of a theoretically specified population of elements while a sample is a subset of the study population (Kothari, 2004). The rationale is to draw conclusions about the entire population. According to Orodho (2003), the ultimate test of a sample design is how well it represents the characteristics of the population it purports to. The study will use purposive sampling. Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling technique used in research where researchers deliberately select specific individuals or groups to be included in the study based on predefined criteria or characteristics. This sampling method is often employed when researchers want to focus on a particular subgroup of the population that possesses certain qualities or experiences that are relevant to the research objectives. The study will use purposive in selecting leaders of bwaise. The study will also use random sampling. Random sampling is a statistical technique used in research to select a subset of individuals or items from a larger population.
5.4 Methods of data collection
After the approval of the research instruments, the researcher will get an introductory letter from the research supervisor in the Faculty of law at makerere University. This will help the researcher to get introduced to Bwaise slum leader. After being granted permission, the researcher will make telephone calls to the head teachers of the selected schools to establish rapport before the actual data collection date and also to introduce herself to the respondents.
Questionnaire method
According to Kothari (2012), questionnaire is a form of inter-related questions prepared by the researcher about the problem under the study, and based on the research objectives. The information for this study will be gathered by use of questionnaires. In the questionnaires, there will be both closed-ended and open-ended questions that will be administered to the selected respondents in Bwaise slum (Brewer, 2009). The questionnaires will be filled in and collected before leaving bwaise slum. Such data can best be tapped on closed ended questionnaires which allow respondents make quick decisions; in addition, closed ended questions and help the researcher to code the information easily for subsequent analysis and narrow down the error gap while analysing data as observed by Sekaran et al., (2003). Lastly, the use of a questionnaire allows busy respondents fill it at their convenient time and also allows them express their views and opinions without fear of being victimized.
Interview method
The study will employ interview method. Interviews in this study will help the researcher obtain more information on the topic under investigation. This method will also be used because it offers the researcher an opportunity to adapt questions, clarify the questions by using the appropriate language, clear doubts and establish rapport and probe for more information (Sekaran, 2003).
6.0 Data Analysis
The data will be analysed using the SPSS computer program. The SPSS computer package will be used to generate frequencies, descriptive statistics, tables and graphs. The researcher will use both quantitative and qualitative methods during data analysis. Quantitative data will involve the use of frequencies, tables against their percentages, and other statistical expressions like; bar graphs and frequency graphs as to show values that aided in data interpretation. Qualitative data will be presented in writing useful information from the respondents as presented in relation to the study variables. After collecting all the necessary data, this data will be quantified, coded and analysed and rephrased to eliminate errors and ensure consistency.
7.0 Ethics
According to Creswell, (2009) any study involving people and about people ethical issues must be anticipated. It is clear that the methodology of the study may raise issues such as privacy and confidentiality that require ethical consideration during interviews. The study then will be planned to be conducted in accordance with the ethical requirements and standards of Makerere University where ethical approval will be obtained before commencement of data collection. Effort will also be made to ensure that this research project does not duplicate work already done by other researchers to uphold the code of ethics of conducting research and the integrity of study.
REFERENCES
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