By Odongo Geoffrey
Otuke, Uganda – In a bid to enhance economic activities and improve access to essential services, Otuke District has embarked on a major road rehabilitation project.
Local leaders have emphasized the project’s role in fostering trade, supporting agriculture, and facilitating better healthcare and education services.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Joseph Lomongin, on Friday, March 28, 2025, called on residents to make good use of the upgraded roads to expand their businesses and access broader markets for agricultural produce.
He also cautioned against the misuse of roads, urging farmers to refrain from rolling ox ploughs on them to maintain their integrity.
Kamara George, the District Council representative for Olilim, the project includes two major road segments.
The first, an 8-kilometre stretch from Olilim Town Council through Ogobam to Olam, has been allocated UGX 32 million.
The second road, spanning 20 kilometres from Ikwe Primary School through Aluka Primary School to Gotojwang and ending at the home of Opio Aweri, is being rehabilitated at a cost of UGX 83 million.
The district is currently facing logistical hurdles, including the breakdown of its grader. To keep work on track, officials have hired equipment from Bosco Okello Odongo of Bygon Enterprises Ltd.
Additionally, an excavator stationed in Okwang Subcounty is expected to arrive in the coming days once transportation arrangements are finalized.
Kamara encouraged residents to capitalize on the rainy season by planting maize, cassava, and millet, ensuring that they maximize the benefits of the improved roads for agricultural trade.
District Roads Engineer Alany Jimmy Max detailed the technical aspects of the project. He noted that roads will either be fully gravelled or undergo grading, spot improvements, culvert installation, and the raising of swampy areas to prevent flooding.
Critical sections, such as Ogwang Akeo swamp, are set to be elevated to enhance accessibility throughout the year.
LCV Chairperson Francis Abola emphasized that these rehabilitated roads will play a crucial role in uplifting the community by enabling farmers to reach markets more efficiently.
He urged residents to use the infrastructure responsibly to ensure its longevity.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) George Abudul, who officially launched the project, stressed the importance of maintaining high construction standards.
He highlighted that the roads will not only boost trade but also improve access to schools and healthcare facilities, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in Otuke.
This road rehabilitation initiative represents a significant step toward strengthening Otuke District’s infrastructure.
With better roads, communities will experience improved mobility, greater economic opportunities, and enhanced access to vital services.
