By Haron Okwir
Otuke, Uganda | Heavy rains have left several parts of Otuke District cut off, crippling transport and slowing down business as major roads and bridges remain impassable.
Principal Assistant Secretary Patrick Onyek explained that the damage has affected the flow of goods and services, noting that most of the affected roads connect residents to Otuke Town Council and traders from Lira.
He said business is declining as farmers and traders can no longer access markets with ease.
A report from the District Engineer indicates that several swamps and bridges have been washed away.
Among the most affected areas are Okera swamp, Ogwete dam, Akorokodoi swamp in Ogwete Sub-County, Okociwa culverts in Orum Sub-County, Okune and Ocee swamps in Ogor Sub-County, as well as Ogwa, Olech, Oget, Agweng, Obul, Obir, Otlut and Otjokogang swamps.
The district has set aside Shs 815 million to begin addressing the problem.
Despite this allocation, more than 500 kilometers of roads remain in poor condition.
Key routes such as Ogor Sub-County–Otuke Town Council, Okwang–Adwari, and sections of central government roads have become nearly impassable, cutting off villages and paralyzing trade.
Chief Administrative Officer Joseph Lomongin emphasized that the challenge is not limited to Otuke alone, pointing to the Lira–Aloi–Otuke–Abim–Kotido highway, which is under central government management, as the worst affected.
He added that the damage is being worsened by heavy trucks, including buses and lorries, that routinely use these roads.
Lomongin further explained that the district is losing local revenue as markets have become inactive, leaving the council with little to collect.
He noted that leaders at sub-county level are gathering data on households affected by the flooding, which will be submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister for possible intervention.
One thought on “Heavy Rains Leave Otuke Cut Off as Roads, Businesses Collapse”