Evaluating the contribution of physical planning to the development of Soroti City.

Abstract

Despite the fact that physical planning is very vital, it has not been fully maximized and put in practice in Uganda. The study title is Evaluating the Contribution of Physical Planning to the Development of Soroti City. The main objective of this is to find out the influence of physical planning in regards to the spatial development of Soroti city. The study was also guided by four specific objectives which were to analyze the current status of development in Soroti city, to identify the different stakeholders and actors in the development of Soroti city including their roles as far as development is concerned, to examine the performance of the Physical Development Plan of Soroti city with regard to the current developments on ground, to come up with recommendations for the future planning and development of Soroti city. The researcher employed case study type of design which was used to describe a unit in detail. Four methods of data collection were used which are observation, interview, questionnaire and documentary review. Data was then analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, whereby qualitative method was based on explanations and quantitative method involve the use of calculations, pie charts, percentage and tables among others. Survey found out that four stakeholders participated in the preparation of the plan including community members though their participation was not 100% due to some factors. Some challenges were also faced during participation which discouraged others from participating. Thereafter, strategies were proposed for effective participation among community members. The analysis also showed the benefit of community participation in physical planning which will then encourage community to fully participate in physical planning process. The study then recommended to the stakeholders who participated in the preparation of the plan as follow, community members should establish a local civil society organization to oversee the public funds, they should also change their perceptions about government programs. To Politicians, the study recommended that, there is need for sensitization and training of community members about their rights and responsibility in physical planning, and others.