Govt unveils 139km rural roads project to boost agricultural trade

Government has unveiled a 139-kilometre rural roads rehabilitation project aimed at improving market access for farmers and accelerating agricultural commercialisation across nine districts in Northern and Eastern Uganda.

The Ministry of Local Government this week signed contracts for the works under the Rural Development for Food Security in Northern Uganda (RUDSEC) project, with construction expected to commence next week following the official handover of sites.

The roads will be rehabilitated in Lamwo, Agago, Pader, Dokolo, Lira, Oyam, Serere, Soroti and Kaberamaido districts, areas where poor infrastructure has for years constrained farmers’ ability to transport produce to markets and access essential services.

Speaking during the contract signing, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, said the project is a key investment in Uganda’s strategy to transform agriculture into a commercial and industrial sector.

“Agri-industrialisation 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 added that the investment goes beyond transport, noting that it is intended to strengthen decentralised service delivery, stimulate local economic development and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.

According to the ministry, the works will cover Agago–Kalongo–Lomoi Road (29.9km), Lamwo–Corner Ogwec–Tenten Road (21.6km), Puranga–Ogonyo–Achola Stream Road in Pader (18km), Agweng–Barlonyo and Akano–Lwala roads in Lira (16.3km), Alwimac–Awiri–Asalim Road in Dokolo (12.7km), Ochero–Bugoi Road in Kaberamaido (12.8km), Atirir–Orungo Border Road in Soroti (13.5km), and Serere Upper Shops–Akoboi and Kamod–Otimong–Akobi roads in Serere (14.9km).

Kumumanya urged contractors to deliver quality work within agreed timelines while observing high standards of transparency and professionalism.

He also called on contractors to work closely with district local governments, prioritise employment for local residents and ensure environmental safeguards are observed throughout implementation.

The RUDSEC project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Local Government with funding from the Government of Uganda and the German government through KfW Development Bank.

Officials say the upgraded roads are expected to lower transport costs, reduce post-harvest losses, improve the movement of agricultural produce and enhance access to health, education and other public services, ultimately contributing to rural economic transformation.

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