Abstract

This paper demonstrates the need to integrate multiculturalism in urban development in Uganda with some policy proposals on how multiculturalism can be integrated into urban development. Through a qualitative research in Arua city in Uganda, findings showed that the city like other cities in Uganda is a culturally diverse city and minority ethnic groups or tribes are at the risk of exclusion if multiculturalism is not integrated into planning and development. Internal migration is the major contributor to cultural diversity. However, the inter-state migration of Africans has a significant contribution to urban cultural diversity. To enhance multiculturalism, this paper presents the following policy proposals: the review of the existing policies and the formulation of inclusive policies that allow minorities to participate in governance. The inclusion of multiculturalism in the development plan, ensuring a non-discriminatory business environment that accelerates the ease of starting and doing business. The active involvement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), improving the living conditions in slums where majority of the migrants dwell, the use of various languages and the intensification of multiculturalism awareness campaigns in urban areas. 

Key words: Multiculturalism, cultural diversity, inclusive urban development, Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda.