Abstract: Rapid urbanisation in Rwanda’s satellite cities is increasing pressure on land resources and raising concerns about the effectiveness of land use master plan implementation. This study assessed the impact of Land Use Master Plan implementation on land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics in Muhanga Satellite City between 2014 and 2024. A longitudinal research design was adopted, integrating geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and qualitative data. Multi-temporal satellite imagery was classified using the supervised maximum likelihood algorithm to generate LULC maps, while GIS-based spatial overlay analysis assessed conformity with the Detailed Land Use Plan (DLUP), land use encroachment and development patterns in relation to road networks. Key informant interviews with district planners, National Land Authority staff and community leaders provided additional insights into institutional and governance factors affecting implementation. The findings revealed a substantial increase in built-up areas, from 488 ha (6.3%) in 2014 to 3,437.9 ha (44.4%) in 2024, representing an almost sevenfold increase. This expansion occurred mainly at the expense of cropland and forestland, which declined by 47.9% and 50.3%, respectively. NDVI analysis confirmed considerable vegetation loss, particularly around Nyamabuye and Cyeza sectors. Spatial conformity assessment showed variations across land use categories, with commercial zones recording 76.8% conformity, agriculture/forest approximately 80%, wetlands 78%, and industrial zones 24.4%. Overall encroachment reached 36.2% (945 ha), with wetlands experiencing the highest encroachment at 49.4%. Furthermore, 68% of newly developed built-up areas emerged within 500 metres of road corridors. Qualitative findings identified land tenure insecurity, weak enforcement, delayed expropriation and rapid population growth as major constraints to effective plan implementation. The study concludes that Muhanga Satellite City's land use master plan faces a significant implementation gap, contributing to land conversion that does not fully comply with designated zoning provisions. It recommends strengthening geospatial monitoring, improving land tenure security, enhancing institutional coordination and enforcing land use regulations, particularly in ecologically sensitive and rapidly urbanising areas.
Keywords: Land Use Master Plan; Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) Dynamics; Urban Planning; Satellite City Development; Muhanga District.
Title: Impact Assessment of Land Use Master Plan Implementation on Land Use Land Cover Dynamics, A Case of Muhanga Satellite City (2014-2024)
Author: Mathias MUJYANAMA, Dr. Richard MIND’JE
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026
Page No: 99-111
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 07-November-2026
