Community members in Kayera and Katooke in Buseruka Subcounty, Hoima District, are excited to receive a new road after decades of struggling with poor and impassable road networks.
Hoima District Local Government, in partnership with the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), rehabilitated 7.8 kilometers of previously unmotorable roads, easing the transportation of agricultural products and improving access to social services.
The road links five villages — Katoke, Kigaga, Kayera, Kijumba, and Nyamasoga — stretching from Kiziranfumbu-Kabaale to the Hoima-Kaiso-Tonya tarmac road.
Authorities say the upgraded road has revitalized critical routes, benefitting farmers and residents alike.
Speaking at the handover, Charlese Bizimungu, chairperson of Katoke Village, described the road as a major relief for the community.
She noted that the route had long been impassable, with numerous potholes, and added that no grader had ever reached the area since Katoke was established.
Hoima District Chairman Uthiman Mubarak said the project followed a request to EACOP for support in opening and constructing roads that were hindering local development.
He explained that most residents are farmers and traders who have lacked proper access to markets.
“We are happy and excited that EACOP has answered our requests. They have delivered this road, and they have also supported the district with Shs1.4 billion to upgrade Mbarara Health Center II to Health Center III in Kitoba Town Council,” Mubarak said.
He further applauded residents who offered land for the project, noting that road construction often faces challenges when landowners demand compensation.
Bugahya County MP Pius Wakabi, who commissioned the road, commended EACOP for the rehabilitation, emphasizing that road construction is normally a government responsibility.
He also urged the company to prioritize employment for local youth in ongoing projects and to intervene in providing water sources, as many communities in oil-rich areas face water shortages.
EACOP Executive Director John Bosco Habumugisha highlighted the company’s ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts, including education, tree planting, health support, water provision, and road rehabilitation, aimed at building strong community relations around oil development.
John Munaba, Deputy District Internal Security Officer representing Hoima Resident Commissioner Rodger Mbabazi, challenged the community to actively engage in productive activities and use the road to access markets, instead of being swayed by those seeking to disrupt oil developments.