Ministry begins physical development planning for Kacheri town and sub county

25 February 2025, 1:50 pm

By Bondry Kilenga

The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, with funding from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Eastern Africa under the Land Use Planning Project, has commenced the physical development planning process for Kacheri town council and Kacheri sub-county in Kotido district.

The physical planning process will be implemented in the parishes of Kacheri, Napeikat, Jie-Lolelia, and Lokwasanyion in Kacheri sub county, as well as in the wards of Kalogwel, Kokuwam, Lokiding, and Lokoona in Kacheri town council.

The physical planning process also aims to promote inclusive and participatory land use planning, addressing land conflicts, fostering peace, and enhancing climate resilience in the area, which is characterised by communal land ownership and agro-pastoralist practices.

The key aspects include mapping, land titling, and addressing cross-border land issues with neighbouring countries within the Karamoja cluster.

Ronald Murungi, a physical planner at the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, stated that a team of experts will be on the ground mapping the designated areas throughout the week, starting on Tuesday, 18th February 2025.

Murungi stated that after the mapping, a draft plan will be prepared and presented to residents for review before final approval.

Harriet Draleru, the Kotido District Senior Land Management Officer, urged the local community and authorities to embrace the project, noting that it would create opportunities for lobbying for development in Kacheri town council and Kacheri sub-county.

Draleru also noted that the development of land use and physical development plans for the lower administrative units in Kotido district has always been hindered by financial constraints. She appealed to the ministry to take the lead whenever possible.

Lieutenant David Aisu, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) of Kotido district, urged local leaders to refrain from misinforming the community about the ongoing process. He clarified that the mapping exercise is not intended to dispossess anyone of their land.