Urban formalities versus informalities: Case study of Katwe informal settlements, Kampala Uganda

Formal settlements refer to those settlements that comply with legal and regulatory frameworks, while informal settlements, commonly known as slums, arise without official sanction and often lack basic services and infrastructure. Informal settlements are an inherent reality that are integral parts of the urban centers in most developing nations such as the capital city of Uganda, Kampala. Currently, the city is experiencing numerous urban challenges such as inadequate housing, overcrowding, crime, and limited access to basic social services. These challenges have adverse social, economic and environmental impacts. Formal settlements typically provide basic services in proclaimed townships. By integrating formal standards into informal contexts, regeneration can conceptualize meeting formal necessities such as decent housing. This research explores the intersection of formality and informality within the urban center of Kampala, specifically in Katwe district. The research aims to explore regeneration actions in Katwe, aiming to enhance quality of living. This goal will be pursued through strategic approaches that enhances social equality and identifying social generators of activities for improved quality of life; Defining components of housing typologies for enhanced individual quality of life through self-built sustainable constructions; Establishing a unifying design focal point in the neighborhood to cultivate identity. The adopted research methodology for this exploration was developed based on a mixed-method research approach, employing procedures such as document analysis and observational study to gather necessary information from Katwe informal settlement in Kampala.