1.0 Introduction

The department is composed of Wetland, Physical Planning, Land Management, Surveying, Environment, and Forestry sections.

1.1 Goal

To improve the quality of life of the people of Kabarole District through promotion of efficient and sustainable use of its natural resources.

1.2 Mission

To promote sustainable use of Natural Resources for economic, social and cultural activities.

1.3 Specific Objectives

• Conserve forests and increase tree cover in the District.
• Conserve the environment and ensure active participation of all stakeholders.
• Ensure planned developments in all Urban/Trading Centers and markets.
• Enforce National Survey Regulations and uniquely identify parcels of land.

2.0 Achievements (July 2024 – June 2025)

• Salaries paid for 11 months across the department.
• 10 staff members appraised; performance plans developed and implemented.
• 3 joint monitoring visits to 8 lower local governments.
• Participation in all mandatory council, management, and planning meetings.
• 5 community sensitization meetings held.
• Performance reports prepared and presented to relevant ministries.

2.1 Environment

The district boasts 38 crater lakes, rivers, and streams covering over 6,230,000 m² of freshwater. While some lakes are conserved, others are under restoration.

Objectives

• Protect the environment and promote sustainable natural resource utilization.
• Encourage land use activities for sustainable development.

Achievements 2024/2025

• 30 compliance monitoring activities conducted (wetlands, lakes, mining areas).
• 10 hectares of degraded wetlands restored.
• 17 community sensitization meetings held.
• 10 radio programs aired on environmental conservation.
• 50 environmental improvement notices issued.
• Environmental screening in schools, irrigation schemes, roads, and water projects.

Planned 2025/2026

• Monitor and restore wetlands, riverbanks, and lakeshores.
• Enforce National Environment Act, 2019.
• Develop a climate change adaptation strategy.

2.2 Forestry Section

Kabarole District’s forests face pressure from agriculture and settlement, but remain vital for climate regulation, erosion control, and livelihoods. Over 87% of household energy needs come from fuel wood.

Achievements 2024/2025

• 71,032 tree seedlings distributed to farmers.
• 948 farmers trained in plantation establishment and management.
• Launched Kabarole Tree Growers’ Association nursery bed.
• Partnership with WWF for tree seedlings distribution.

Planned 2025/2026

• Establish and manage community tree nurseries.
• Provide technical support during tree planting.
• Mobilize communities for tree planting on farms, hills, and mountains.

2.3 Land Administration

The district manages land at headquarters and lower administrative units, with most under customary and mailo tenure. Many parcels remain unsurveyed and untitled.

Achievements 2024/2025

• 5 Government Land Titles secured.
• 4 land disputes resolved.
• Public sensitization on land matters via radio.
• Boundary opening for 15 parcels of land.
• 62 parcel inspections and 34 building site inspections completed.
• Capacity building for ADR committees and Area Land Committees.
• Revenue mobilization of approx. UGX 43,000,000.
• Preparation of 4 site layout plans for district projects.
• Implementation of District Physical Development Plan (2020–2040).

Planned 2025/2026

• Train Area Land Committees.
• Issue Certificates of Customary Ownership (Busoro, Hakibaale, Ruteete, Kicwamba, Harugongo).
• Continue titling government land and resolving disputes.
• Enhance revenue mobilization and compliance inspections.
• Prepare local and detailed physical development plans for growth centers.