Lands ministry unveils physical plan for Kacheri Town Council
KOTIDO, September 24, 2025 — The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development [MLHUD] has unveiled the final draft of a comprehensive Land Use and Physical Development Plan for Kacheri Sub-county and Kacheri Town Council in Kotido district. The document, now open for public review, represents a major step towards structured urban and rural development in the region.
The draft plan was developed by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development [IGAD], in collaboration with the Ministry and with support from the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa. It was officially presented to district leaders and technical experts during a recent stakeholder meeting.
Pamella Drate, a representative from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, explained that the presentation marked the beginning of a three-day scrutiny process. This focused review is being led by a multidisciplinary team of 12 experts drawn from various government ministries, including Lands, Housing and Urban Development; Gender, Labour and Social Development; and Water and Environment. The team includes physical planners, sociologists, and environmental specialists, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive review process.
“The purpose of this three-day engagement is to allow district leaders, technical experts, and the public to provide their input before the final plans are produced and submitted to the Council and the National Physical Planning Board for approval,” Drate noted.
She added that the plan is being presented alongside capacity-building sessions for local Land Management Institutions, Climate Change Committees, and Grievance Redress Committees, all under IGAD’s wider Land Governance Programme.
Local reactions mixed but largely positive
The draft has been well received by local leaders and residents. Susan Asekenye, the Kotido District Planner, praised the plan as a “rich” document, though she urged the Ministry to identify short-term interventions to address ongoing wild animal incursions in the Kacheri area.
Local residents also expressed hope and cautious optimism. Ilukol Simon Peter said the plan will enable residents to develop their plots in line with official guidelines.
“This will now pave the way for residents to develop their plots as stipulated in the plan,” he said.
However, not all feedback was without concern. Namoe Betty, another resident, questioned whether the plan could inadvertently escalate tensions with neighbouring Lolelia South in Kaabong district.
Meanwhile, Lochu John Bosco, Area Councillor for Kacheri Sub-county, expressed optimism that the plan would help attract infrastructural investment.
“The sub-county and town council will now easily lobby for infrastructural development,” he noted.
Next steps and public participation
Following the initial expert review, the draft plan will be publicly displayed for 90 days at multiple locations throughout Kacheri Sub-county and Kacheri Town Council. This extended consultation period is intended to ensure maximum public engagement and feedback before the plan is finalised and submitted for formal approval.
https://thecooperator.news/kikuube-lands-ministry-to-process-20000-land-titles-for-locals/
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