Implication of GIS on Sustainable Urban Planning and Management in Uganda

This study was conducted to assess the implication of GIS on sustainable urban planning and management in Uganda, one of the East African countries. Uganda’s urbanization and management has been happening amidst weak or in the absence of adequate geographical information systems. The high urban growth rate in Uganda estimated at 20 % has not been properly planned and guided, characterized by organic growth of unplanned urban areas that are characterized by a weak urban economy, slums and informal settlements, weak urban governance and institutional coordination, inadequate urban infrastructure and services for that reason this study sought to examine the implication of GIS on sustainable urban planning and management. This study was a desk review research where documents were reviewed using a documentary checklist as the primary data collection instrument. Data was analyzed using content thematic analysis where emerging themes were identified and presented in a narrative form accompanied with quotation of texts from the documents where the identified themes emerged from. This study found out that GIS contributes to sustainable urban planning and management through the following ways; analyzing the existing situation for adequate urban planning process; producing and maintaining geographical information which aids planning of urban areas and towns; providing quick access of data to planners and other stakeholders which eases the urban planning and management process; enabling planners to make effective, efficient and informed decision with regards to urban planning and management; enabling monitoring, evaluation and provision of feedback with regards to implementation of urban plans. This study concludes that GIS has a positive implication on sustainable urban planning and management. This study also recommends that Governments of developing economies especially low income and middle income economies, Uganda not being exceptional should develop a strong da