PS Ben Kumumanya Presides Over Signing of Contracts for 139km Community Access Roads in Northern Uganda

KAMPALA, Uganda – The Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) has signed contracts for the rehabilitation of 139 kilometres of district and community access roads across nine districts in Northern and Eastern Uganda under the Rural Development for Food Security in Northern Uganda (RUDSEC) Project. The development marks a significant milestone in government's efforts to improve rural infrastructure, enhance agricultural productivity and boost socio-economic transformation in the region. Construction works are expected to commence next week following the official handover of project sites to the contractors.

The road rehabilitation programme will benefit the districts of Lamwo, Agago, Pader, Dokolo, Lira, Oyam, Serere, Soroti and Kaberamaido, improving accessibility, connectivity and mobility while strengthening local service delivery and expanding market opportunities for farmers and businesses.

Speaking during the contract signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, underscored the importance of reliable road infrastructure in driving Uganda's development agenda.

"Agri-industrialization is central to Uganda's journey towards middle-income status. That transformation begins with motorability and accessibility through roads, which facilitate trade, service delivery and other development activities," Kumumanya said.

He noted that improving rural road networks remains critical in unlocking the economic potential of farming communities by enabling them to transport produce to markets more efficiently, access essential services and attract investment.

Roads to Be Rehabilitated

Under the project, rehabilitation works will cover several strategic roads, including:

Agago–Kalongo–Lomoi Road (Section A) – 15 kilometres;

Agago–Kalongo–Lomoi Road (Section B) – 14.9 kilometres;

Lamwo–Corner Ogwec–Tenten Road – 21.6 kilometres;

Puranga–Ogonyo–Achola Stream Road in Pader District – 18 kilometres;

Agweng–Barlonyo and Akano–Lwala roads in Lira District – 16.3 kilometres;

Alwimac–Awiri–Asalim Road in Dokolo District – 12.7 kilometres;

Ochero–Bugoi Road in Kaberamaido District – 12.8 kilometres;

Atirir–Orungo Border Road in Soroti District – 13.5 kilometres;

and Serere Upper Shops–Akoboi and Kamod–Otimong–Akobi roads in Serere District – 14.9 kilometres.

The rehabilitation of these roads is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs, improve access to schools and health facilities, and strengthen linkages between rural communities and major trading centres.

Strategic Investment in Rural Development

The Ministry of Local Government emphasized that the RUDSEC Project is much more than a road rehabilitation programme. It is a strategic investment aimed at deepening decentralisation, improving service delivery and stimulating local economic development.

By enhancing rural infrastructure, the project is expected to create opportunities for farming communities to access markets, increase agricultural productivity and improve household incomes, thereby contributing to food security and poverty reduction.

Kumumanya urged contractors to deliver quality infrastructure and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and transparency throughout project implementation.

He further called upon the contractors to work closely with the respective district local governments and ensure that local communities are among the primary beneficiaries of the project through employment opportunities and participation in project activities.

The Permanent Secretary also stressed the importance of environmental protection during implementation, urging contractors to safeguard ecosystems and minimise negative environmental impacts.

Boosting Agricultural Incomes and Food Security

The Rural Development for Food Security in Northern Uganda (RUDSEC) Project is a rural infrastructure and agricultural development initiative jointly funded by the Government of Uganda and the Government of Germany through the German Development Bank, KfW.

The project's primary objective is to boost agricultural incomes and improve food security among smallholder farmers by investing in rural infrastructure and improving market access.

Government officials believe that improved road infrastructure will accelerate agricultural commercialization, reduce post-harvest losses and create a conducive environment for socio-economic transformation in Northern Uganda and beyond.

As construction works commence, communities across the beneficiary districts are optimistic that the upgraded roads will open up new economic opportunities, improve access to essential services and contribute significantly to inclusive and sustainable development.