By KT Reporter
The Kitgum District Council has declined to approve the construction of an Animal Holding Ground and an Integrated Soil Laboratory under the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project due to the absence of key documentation.
The proposal was presented by Emmanuel Lapyem, the District Vice Chairperson who also oversees government business in the council. However, councillors raised concerns about the lack of supporting documents, particularly regarding the ownership and status of the land earmarked for the projects and the financial breakdown of the proposed developments.
Dayan Ocitti, the Lalano Sub-county Male Councillor, questioned how the council could monitor implementation without knowing the monetary value of the project.
“Without any proper documents detailing the project, it will be very difficult for the council to make a follow-up,” Ocitti said.
Raymond Ocan, the Pandwong Division Male Councillor, echoed the sentiment, noting that the council had not been officially informed of the land status donated by the Omiya Anyima West Sub-county community.
“We want to be informed whether the land has been titled or not,” Ocan stated. According to available documents, the Animal Holding Ground is to be constructed in Lela Punggor Village, Omiya Anyima West Sub-county, while the Integrated Soil Laboratory would be situated at the district headquarters.
The Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project is a six-year initiative implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices.
In defense, Lapyem informed the council that the 10 hectares of land for the animal holding ground had been wholly donated by the Omiya Anyima West community. However, he acknowledged the lack of detailed documents, including titling status and project costs.
Banarbas Opiyo, the District Entomology Officer and project focal person, added that the Ministry had not provided detailed project costs, explaining that it was a government-initiated project with limited information passed on to the district.
Pamela Atoo, the Secretary for Production, Marketing, and Natural Resources, noted that the relevant committees had reviewed the proposal. She admitted concerns were raised but said explanations had been provided and understood. Atoo appealed to the council to consider the long-term benefits of the project to the local community.
Despite her plea, Lapyem later withdrew the proposal, stating he would seek further guidance from MAAIF before proceeding to avoid further contention.
An attempt by John Bosco Ocen, the District Speaker, to reintroduce the proposal after receiving some documents regarding the donated land was blocked by Lapyem, who insisted that all issues must be addressed first.
Ocen ruled that the matter will be tabled again at a later date, once comprehensive documentation has been obtained from the Ministry-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
