A dispute has emerged between Gulu City authorities and the Uganda Lands Commission (ULC) over plans to allocate more than 11 acres of a gazette wetland in the city Centre to private developers.
The land in question lies along the Pece I Stream in Bardege-Layibi Division and is designated as a protected wetland by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Despite its protected status, at least 15 individuals have applied to the Uganda Lands Commission since 2024 to acquire portions of the land for various developments.
Among the applicants is National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Richard Todwong, who is seeking four acres located directly within the wetland.
The proposed allocations have alarmed city authorities, who argue that the move would undermine a planned multi-billion-shilling green-space project intended to transform the area into an urban recreational and tourism hub.
The estimated 9 billion Shillings project seeks to establish urban linear parks along the natural drainage course of Pece Stream in the Laroo-Pece and Bardege-Layibi divisions.
The initiative is expected to beautify the city, improve environmental conservation and boost tourism, with funding anticipated under the World Bank-supported Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) programme.
During a recent meeting between city officials and representatives of the Uganda Lands Commission, members of the Gulu City Land Board rejected proposals to allocate the wetland to the applicants.
Alfred Okello, Gulu City’s Senior Landscaping Officer, warns that approving the applications would jeopardize the city’s long-term development plans.
By URN
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