Objectives of the Symposium

(i) The main objective of this symposium is to case study the various capitals and identifies challenges and opportunities in urban development planning and policy, with a view to creating rapport between regional stakeholders on how to improve their performance.

(ii) It seeks to provide a forum for frank discussion and debate on what has been done wrong and what is being done right, and to offer the opportunity for lessons to be learned in urban development.

(iii) The symposium is the occasion for stakeholders to take stock of what progress has been made regarding urban and physical planning within their own territories and marshal further inspiration and support, but also to make their needs known in order to participate fully with government and tap into the opportunities presented by a Common Market.

(iv) With the new Kampala Capital City Authority only a few months old, this symposium provides a further opportunity for them to hear the views of both local and regional players. The outcome of the symposium will be a useful tool for the authority to refer to, during the decision making process of the improvement or translocation of Uganda’s capital city.

(v) As an off-shoot of the symposium it is expected that products and service suppliers in the construction industry will take the opportunity to exhibit their wares, to network, and to kick start or enhance their cross border relationships. The role of Architects in urbanisation as well as that of other professionals in the building industry will be highlighted.

(vi) It is also envisaged that the outcome of the Symposium shall not only be Continued Professional Development for members of professional associations, but shall result in a communiqué to be presented to governments, highlighting the delegates recommendations for various means of causing positive and realistic change in urbanisation policy.