Urbanization and Environmental Management in Newly Created Town Councils in Uganda. A Case Study of Mbarara District

Abstract The study was about Urbanization and Environmental Management in Newly Created Town Councils in Uganda; a case Study of Mbarara District. It was guided by four research objectives, namely: to examine the current trend of Urbanization and environment management in Mbarara district; to assess the effect of urbanization on environment management; to assess the current laws governing environmental management; and identify the challenges experienced in environmental management and suggest possible mechanisms for addressing environmental management gaps in Mbarara District. The study adopted both a descriptive and cross-sectional study designs. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. The study population consisted of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Deputy and Assistant CAO, Senior Assistant Secretaries, and Parish Chiefs, Political Leadership, the District Councilors, the District Environment Committee Members and the Local Community Members. A sample of 133 respondents was relied on for the study. Both simple random and purposive sampling were used to select the sample. Questionnaires, interview guides and observation checklists were used to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0 and presented using statistical tables. Majority of the respondents (90percent) believed that urbanization has significantly increased, 77percent of respondents observed a notable reduction in green spaces due to urbanization and 78percent of respondents believe that urbanization in Mbarara district is characterized by better infrastructure. Also, 75 percent of the respondents believed that development activities have hurt the environment's value and 77percent mentioned that urbanization increases demand for resources like water, land, and energy which directly affects the environment. 72 percent of respondents believe there is a lack of environmental policies and regulations as a significant concern and 48 percent of respondents believe that the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) provides a framework for addressing environmental management gaps and 75 percent of respondents stated that increasing public education and awareness is crucial in addressing environmental management gaps. The study recommended a need to regularly review and update environmental regulations to address the challenges posed by urbanization. The study concluded that the rapid urbanization in newly created town councils in Mbarara District presents both significant challenges and opportunities for environmental management. While urban growth brings economic and social benefits, it also imposes pressures on land use, pollution control, and infrastructure.