The effect of slums on Uganda’s realization of sustainable development goal eleven (11): A Case Study of Namuwongo-Soweto slum, Makindye Division, Kampala City.

Abstract

This report constitutes findings of a field research study carried out in January 2023 on “the effect of slums on Uganda`s realization of SDG 11: A case study of Namuwongo-Soweto.” It was guided by these three central questions: -1. How is the status of housing in Namuwongo-Soweto slum influencing the realisation of SDG 11? 2. How is the level of accessibility to basic services in Namuwongo-Soweto slum influencing the realization of SDG 11? :-3. What slum upgrading policies or local government initiatives exist to ensure slum upgrading? The study employed different methods for data collection and these were interviews, surveys, observation and data collection instruments included questionnaires, recording, and observation schedules. The study also employed secondary data from literature review for theoretical framework development and field study tools. Purposive sampling and stratified random sampling techniques were used in the case of physical planning department staff in KCCA Makindye Division and the residents of Namuwongo-Soweto respectively. The collected data was analyzed descriptively and presented in tables and figures. Using the case of Namuwongo slum, findings reveal that slums have played both a positive and negative role in accelerating the progress of Uganda`s realization of SDG 11.1 and slowing down the rate of achieving SDG 11.1 respectively. This is evidenced by factors such as the role of the private sector in providing decent housing in the slum and services such as water and sanitation facilities like toilets, as well as schools and health facilities. However, the factors posed by slums that have slowed down Uganda`s realization of SDG 11 include establishment of substandard housing characterized by overcrowding, poor sanitation characterized by uncontrolled disposal of wastes, high population growth rate that has increased the population that lives in slums, among others as further explained in this report. Hence, they have played a greater role in reducing the progress. For purposes of reducing the threats slums are posing to Uganda`s realization of SDG 11.1 and improving the living conditions of slum dwellers, the study recommends that improving access to affordable housing and basic services as well as embracing effective planning should be adopted