President Yoweri Museveni has officially commissioned Akright City in Kajjansi Town Council, Wakiso District, as the planned residential estate celebrated 20 years since it was established.
The anniversary event marked two decades since Akright City was launched in 2006, with leaders highlighting its role in promoting planned urban development and providing modern residential facilities for Uganda’s growing population.
In his message delivered by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, President Museveni said Uganda’s peace and stability had created a favourable environment for private investors to develop projects such as Akright City.
Museveni encouraged real estate developers to take advantage of the country’s economic growth and invest in modern urban communities that can serve the increasing number of middle-income Ugandans.
“As the economy continues to grow, I urge all players in the real estate sector to tap into the middle-income cohort and develop more affluent neighbourhoods,” Museveni said.
The President noted that Uganda’s economy has experienced major transformation over the past 40 years through recovery, industrialisation, diversification and value addition, creating more opportunities for private sector growth.
He added that government would continue investing in key infrastructure, including electricity, to support sectors such as real estate. He said Uganda’s power generation capacity has grown from about 60 megawatts in 1986 to more than 2,000 megawatts today, with plans to expand further through different energy sources.
Museveni also warned against excessive land fragmentation through inheritance, saying it affects planned development and contributes to the spread of unplanned settlements.
He challenged communities to protect planned urban areas from being divided into smaller plots that could undermine the original vision of modern cities.
Akright City was officially launched on July 14, 2006, when President Museveni laid the foundation stone for the project. The estate was developed by Dr Anatoli Kamugisha and Alex Kamukama with the vision of creating a well-planned city with modern homes, infrastructure and social amenities.
However, as the estate celebrates its achievements, its founders highlighted several challenges that still need attention.
Dr Kamugisha appealed for government support to improve road infrastructure within the estate, revealing that only about eight per cent of the planned 64 kilometres of roads have been paved.
He also requested increased security patrols, saying Akright City hosts several prominent residents and requires stronger security measures.
Kamugisha further proposed that Akright City be turned into a learning centre where developers, government agencies and urban planners can study and adopt successful approaches to planned city development.
He said the estate has accumulated valuable experience, data and knowledge over the last 20 years that can help guide future urban projects in Uganda.
The founder also raised concerns over land disputes and delays in processing land titles, saying fraudulent claims, lengthy court processes and financial challenges have affected the company’s progress.
He revealed that Akright City is considering attracting new investors, including government participation, by offering up to 55 per cent of company shares to speed up development.
Minister Nabakooba assured the developers that government would look into the concerns raised and present them to President Museveni for further consideration.
Meanwhile, Busiro South Member of Parliament Kenan Ssozi Opio welcomed Akright City’s contribution to planned urban development and promised to advocate for improved roads, street lighting and clean water supply in the area.
Buliisa County MP Allan Atugonza, who is also a resident of Akright City, supported the idea of making the estate a model for future planned urban developments across Uganda.
As Akright City enters its next phase, stakeholders say the estate remains an example of how private investment, proper planning and government support can work together to create modern communities for future generations.
