Will GIS technology assist KCCA curb illegal structures?
by DEVON SSUUBI · The ObserverThe issue of illegal structures has become a growing problem in Kampala majorly resulting from poor urban planning.
Just recently, a letter from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) addressed to Ham Enterprises went viral on the X platform directing Ham Enterprises to stop the illegal construction which was being done on the Jugula, Nakivubo channel.
This is among the many illegal structures that continue to mushroom in Kampala each day that passes which results into issues such as overcrowding, poor sanitation and collapsing of buildings. However, KCCA has of late started to use the Geographic Information System (GIS) and according to Flavia Zabali Musisi physical planner at KCCA, they are now able to map and monitor urban developments in real- time, identifying illegal structures and areas in need of intervention.
This was at an interaction between various stakeholders at Statistics House. Musisi said this approach involves collecting data on illegal structures through field surveys, which are then integrated into a centralized GIS database.
The GIS department has developed specific forms and protocols for field staff to ensure that data collection is systematic and comprehensive, enabling them to gather information on the location, size and nature of these illegal developments.
“This system not only aids in the immediate identification of violations but also supports long-term planning by providing insights into patterns of illegal construction across the city,” she noted.
Musisi went ahead and stated that this year the authority has been able to identify over 449 illegal structures within the city using GIS and they have gone ahead to demolish some of them. Musisi highlighted on the several challenges faced by the authority which hinder the effective implementation GIS.
One of the primary issues is the delay in plan approvals, which she said often leads to frustration among developers and encourages them to proceed with construction without the necessary permits. “This situation creates a cycle of illegal developments that complicates enforcement efforts,” she stated.
Additionally, she mentioned about corruption and the integrity of enforcement teams, which affects the effectiveness of GIS in Kampala.
“Some individuals may be tempted to accept bribes in exchange for overlooking illegal constructions” she pointed out.
Musisi advocated for the continuous sensitization and education among the community and stakeholders to foster a culture of compliance and understanding of the importance of adhering to planning regulations. This was during the commemoration of the World GIS day at the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos).
Last week on Wednesday, under the theme “Mapping minds, shaping the world,” the event was part of the Africa Statistics week celebrations.
While giving his remarks, Dr Vincent Fred Ssenono, the acting deputy executive director of Ubos, emphasized the transformative potential of GIS technology in urban planning and community engagement, particularly in the context of Kampala. He articulated the importance of making GIS tools accessible to young people and local communities.
“We need to localize these tools so that people can contribute data that can be used by different agencies,” Ssenono said.
He noted that while many people have access to GIS on their phones, there is a need to empower them to use these tools effectively to solve local issues. Geoffrey Katerega from Humanitarian OpenStreet Map team, pointed out that the effectiveness of GIS tools lies in their ability to localize data and solutions, making them relevant to the specific needs of the community.
“One of the ways to adopt GIS is to make sure that map data is open and available and can be used by different people without struggling,” he said
He stressed that for GIS to be truly impactful, it must be accessible and usable by local populations, allowing them to contribute valuable data. In all, it remains to be seen whether GIS is the magic bullet to curb illegal structures.