(Kampala) – The Ugandan government has announced that Entebbe, Kabale, and Wakiso will be upgraded to city status starting July 1, 2025. This decision is part of a broader plan to enhance urban development across the country. Finance Minister Matia Kasaija shared the update during the government’s budget strategy presentation for the fiscal year 2025/26 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Kasaija confirmed that the necessary funds have been secured to support this transition. He urged local officials to focus on preparatory activities, including physical planning, surveying, and mapping of the new city areas. This preparation aims to ensure a smooth transition and to avoid conflicts with surrounding Lower Local Governments.
This city status upgrade is part of a phased approach to expanding Uganda’s urban areas. In the fiscal year 2020/21, ten municipalities were elevated to city status, including Soroti, Lira, Gulu, Arua, Hoima, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Masaka, Jinja, and Mbale. The new cities will join this growing list, which aims to improve local governance and service delivery.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, speaking at the National Budget Conference for FY 2025/26, highlighted the government’s commitment to socio-economic transformation. She emphasized that the NRM government is focused on increasing household incomes and improving living standards to achieve substantial economic growth. The government’s target is to expand Uganda’s economy from its current $50 billion GDP to $500 billion by 2040.
Nabbanja reassured stakeholders that the economy has recovered from past challenges and is on a positive growth trajectory. The fiscal year 2025/26 marks a crucial period for Uganda’s development, guided by the national development plans and the NRM Manifesto’s vision for economic expansion.
