Kitgum district Local Government has commissioned the completion of the 26.9-kilometre Ogul-Pii Peke-Abunai community access road, a crucial infrastructure project aimed at boosting agricultural productivity in the Lipan wilderness area of Namokora North Sub-county.
The road, constructed at UGX 2.1 billion under the National Oil Seeds Project, is expected to greatly improve the transportation of oil seeds crops such as simsim and sunflowers, benefiting over 2,000 farming communities in the area.
The project was implemented by Kitgum district and the Ministry of Local Government under National Oli Seeds, with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).
It aims at accelerating commercialization in key oilseed value chains while improving farmers’ livelihoods and resilience.
Komakech Olwedo, the Kitgum district Engineer says the project involved planting 700 trees to replace those cut down during construction, as well as the installation of culverts.
Christopher Arwai Obol, the Kitgum district chairperson says the road will greatly ease the transportation of produce, previously a major challenge for farmers in the area.
Pamela Ato, the Secretary Production, Marketing and Natural Resources, calls on the communities, especially those living along the new road, not to misuse the opportunity by selling their land but instead use it to elevate themselves from poverty.
Mego Nighty Aryemo, one of the farmers says the new road, saying it will ease access to health services.
By Opoka Denis
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