Government Signs Shs10.3 Billion Road Contracts to Boost Northern Uganda’s Rural Economy

By Brian Mugenyi

Watchdog Uganda

KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Ministry of Local Government has signed contracts worth Shs10.3 billion to rehabilitate district and community access roads across Northern Uganda, a move set to enhance rural connectivity, lower transport costs, and boost market access for local farmers.

Signed on July 8, 2026, under the Rural Development and Food Security in Northern Uganda (RUDSEC) Project, the contracts cover 139.7 kilometers of road networks spanning nine districts.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya highlighted that the investment underscores the government’s commitment to upgrading rural infrastructure and accelerating service delivery.

Kumumanya emphasized that well-maintained access roads serve as a vital link connecting agricultural production hubs directly to regional markets.

“The objective of the project is to rehabilitate and upgrade transport and market infrastructure to improve accessibility in agricultural production areas and reduce transportation costs,” the Ministry noted in a statement. “This will ensure better utilization of agricultural potential and ultimately increase incomes for farming households across Northern Uganda.”

Targeted Districts and Funding Framework

The infrastructure drive targets Lamwo, Pader, Agago, Lira, Dokolo, Oyam, Soroti, Serere, and Kaberamaido districts.

The initiative is supported by the Federal Republic of Germany through German Technical Cooperation, with US$28 million in financing secured via the KfW Development Bank. The five-year implementation framework spans Financial Years 2023/2024 through 2027/2028.

This second batch of contracts encompasses nine distinct lots across three sub-regions:

• Acholi Sub-Region: Works will cover the Kalongo–Lomoi Road sections in Agago, the Corner Ogwec–Tenten Road in Lamwo, and the Puranga–Ogonyo–Achola Stream Road in Pader.

• Lango Sub-Region: Infrastructure upgrades target the Agweng–Barlonyo and Akano–Lwala roads in Lira, the Alwimac–Awiri–Asalim stretch in Dokolo, as well as designated routes in Oyam.

• Teso Sub-Region: Coverage includes the Ochero–Bugoi Road in Kaberamaido, the Atirir–Orungo Border Road in Soroti, and key community interconnectors in Serere.

Quality, Safety, and Community Integration

The Ministry has instructed contractors to adhere to rigorous engineering, safety, and environmental standards. Contractors must use tested, quality materials, enforce site safety protocols, and restore borrow pits upon project completion.

Furthermore, construction firms are encouraged to hire local workers during execution to spread economic benefits directly within host communities.

Rigorous Oversight for Value for Money

To ensure accountability and high construction quality, professional engineering consultants will supervise implementation across all sectors:

• Teso Sub-Region: Supervised by Lea Associates South Asia (LASA) in association with KOM Consult Ltd.

• Acholi Sub-Region: Overseen by UB Consulting Engineers Ltd.

• Lango Sub-Region: Managed directly by KOM Consult Ltd.

Kumumanya assured the public that the Ministry will maintain active field monitoring to guarantee that all works align with national specifications and deliver genuine value for money.

For rural communities across Northern Uganda, this infrastructure commitment represents more than just tarmac and gravel—it serves as a catalyst for economic inclusion, trade, and sustained growth.

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