Pader town council warns developers over unauthorized construction

6 March 2026, 19:21

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Residents and developers in Pader Town Council have been urged to follow proper procedures before starting any construction projects, as authorities intensify enforcement of building regulations.

The call was made on March 6, 2026 by Mr. Ocen Charles Oyoo, the Public Health Inspector for Pader Town Council, who emphasized that all developments within the town must comply with approved physical planning guidelines.

Speaking to the media, Oyoo said the town council has clear regulations governing building and land use to ensure orderly development.

“Before purchasing land or starting construction, residents should first come to the town council office so that our team can guide them on the correct location and requirements for their project,” he said.

According to the health inspector, all building plans must be submitted to the council for approval before construction begins.

The plans are reviewed to ensure they match the designated land-use areas within the town.

He explained that approval fees are calculated based on the size of the proposed structure.

Developers constructing commercial or residential buildings are required to pay 1,300 Ugandan shillings per square meter, in addition to a dumping fee that varies depending on the nature of the construction.

Oyoo also clarified the procedures for people who want to put up temporary structures, such as kiosks.

Applicants must first obtain a form from the town council office at a cost of 20,000 shillings.

Once permission is granted, they must pay an additional 60,000 shillings, and the permit must be renewed every six months.

He warned that failure to follow the proper procedures could lead to penalties.

“Anyone who carries out construction without permission from the council will be required to pay a fine of 500,000 shillings,” Oyoo said.

The inspector also noted that the town now has a piped water system, and unplanned excavation during construction could damage underground water infrastructure, causing service disruption and costly repairs.

Okello Bosco the vice chairperson LCIII for Pader Town Council, who also serves as the councillor for Acoro Parish, said Pader is widely admired for its organized urban planning.

Bosco said the council is not stopping residents from building but wants them to follow proper procedures.

“People should come to the town council and fill out the necessary forms so they can be guided on where to build,” he said. “This helps avoid construction along water, electricity, or sewerage lines.”

He added that buildings constructed without approval risk being demolished or subjected to a fine of 500,000 shillings.

Enforcement of the regulations was evident on Friday 6 March 2026 when construction activities were halted at several locations within the town.

One of the affected residents, Opwonya Geofrey, resident of wee wii in Lagwai Zone B said he had been installing a kiosk along Wee Wii Street when officials stopped the work and directed him to obtain approval from the council.

“I went to the town council office after they stopped the work this morning,” he said. “I was told that if I did not seek permission I would be fined 500,000 shillings.”

Geofrey later complied with the requirements by submitting four manila cards, paying 20,000 shillings to the town council account, and an additional 60,000 shillings at the council office to process the permit.

In another incident, construction of a temporary structure along Kalongo Road belonging to Akot Hellen was also halted by the public health inspector, who instructed workers to stop until the owner secures authorization from the town council.

Efforts to reach Akot Hellen for comment were unsuccessful, as her known contact could not be reached by press time.

Authorities say sensitization of residents will continue through media engagements and community outreach programs to ensure compliance with the town’s development guidelines.

Oyoo also announced that he will appear on Rapa Fm “Waroco Paco” radio program from 10:00 Am to 12:00 Pm to further educate residents about the building regulations and the importance of seeking approval before starting construction.