Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has officially launched the construction of a 15-kilometre road from Adacar to Okuliak and Amendera in Ongongoja Sub-county, Usuk County, Katakwi District.
The project, valued at Sh140 million, is expected to be completed within 23 days. It is funded by the Government of Uganda under the Shs1 billion allocation provided to each district and municipality for road maintenance and will be supervised by the Katakwi District Local Government.
Speaking at the launch, Alupo, who also serves as the Woman MP elect for Katakwi, said the road will improve access to essential services including markets, health facilities, and agricultural areas. She stressed the importance of quality construction and warned against substandard work.
“We cannot afford to waste government resources on shoddy projects. This road must meet the highest standards,” Alupo said.
She also urged the local government to employ residents as casual labourers to ensure the project benefits the community beyond infrastructure development.
Alupo highlighted that under President Museveni’s leadership, the government remains committed to lifting communities out of poverty, noting that ongoing peace allows focus on infrastructure such as roads, electricity, air and water transport, and railways.
“With prevailing peace, we can now focus on building good roads to connect people to schools, markets, and health facilities,” she said. She encouraged the community to closely monitor the project to ensure value for money.
Bosco Okiror, MP for Usuk County, hailed the road as a major boost for the district and urged locals to take ownership of government projects, including PDM and Emyooga programmes.
He called on district technical staff to prioritise maintenance in flood-prone areas to ensure sustainability.
Katakwi Resident District Commissioner Stephen Ilemukorit Okure confirmed that construction has begun, with clearing and leveling marking the first phase.
He encouraged residents to act as “community engineers” to ensure accountability.
Katakwi District CAO Samuel Baker Opio thanked the Vice President for her advocacy for peace and development. He highlighted the road’s role in improving connectivity and promoting economic activity between Katakwi District and the Karamoja sub-region.
“This road is crucial in linking communities to social services, markets, and farms, which will significantly enhance local livelihoods,” Opio said.
Simon Peter Amaitum, LC1 chairperson of Okuliak Village, thanked the government for the development and encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming general elections.
Speaking on behalf of Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Nserunkuma, the 3rd Division Infantry Commander, Col. Jude Rukuubya said the road will also enhance security between the Teso region and Karamoja, connecting to Napak District.
“With improved road access, security personnel will be able to respond more swiftly, particularly to incidents such as cattle rustling and other security threats,” Rukuubya explained.
The project is expected to transform transport in Ongongoja Sub-county, improving service delivery, security, and economic opportunities for residents of Katakwi District.