Ministry Orders Nationwide Street and Road Naming to Improve Emergency Response

Kampala | 14 July 2026

The Ministry of Local Government has directed all Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), City Town Clerks, and Municipal Town Clerks to immediately begin naming streets and roads across Uganda's urban local governments as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response and improve physical planning.


According to a circular issued by Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya, the directive follows concerns raised by security agencies over difficulties in locating emergency incidents in real time due to the absence of officially named roads and streets.


The ministry has instructed all urban councils to complete the naming exercise by 30 August 2026, starting with the country's 10 cities and 31 municipalities before extending it to all town councils.


Local governments have been advised to assign names that reflect personalities and landmarks of strategic significance within their respective areas, promoting both easier identification and preservation of local heritage.


The Ministry emphasized that the road and street naming initiative is a key component of proper physical planning and is expected to improve coordination during emergencies, enhance service delivery, and support urban development.
The directive takes immediate effect, with all affected local governments expected to implement the exercise within the stipulated timeline.