Gulu City has secured a land title for 1.57 hectares (3.9 acres) of the contested Kaunda Grounds in Green Valley Village, clearing the way for the development of a public green park.
The Uganda Land Commission (ULC) approved the survey and freehold title in July, with the land registered in the commission’s name and Gulu City Council designated as the user department.
City Clerk Innocent Ahimbisibwe said the title will allow the city to implement projects that had stalled because of the long-running ownership dispute.
The city had applied for the title about two years ago to meet requirements for accessing funding for planned infrastructure projects.
However, the application attracted more than 12 competing claims from individuals and private developers, including NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, who sought four acres.
The planned Shs6 billion urban greening project includes a public park, an Acholi cultural museum, an amphitheatre and spice gardens.
The development falls under the Uganda Cities and Municipal Infrastructure Development (UCIMID) programme, which requires local governments to provide proof of land ownership before project funds are released.
The programme is expected to benefit 15 new municipalities alongside 33 municipalities and cities that previously benefited from USMID.
