Lamwo district upgrades key roads with shs422m from Uganda Road Fund

Lamwo district local government has kicked off major road maintenance in Palabek Abera sub-county after receiving shs422 million from the Uganda Road Fund (URF).

The maintenance exercise officially started on March 2, 2026, in Palabek Abera sub-county, with priority given to two major roads: the 24-kilometre Kamama Central–Pamo Road and the 24-kilometre Labworoyeng–Pager Road and both routes are vital corridors connecting rural communities to trading centres and neighbouring districts.

Palabek Abera LC3 chairperson, Okot Patrick, described the intervention as timely, noting that improved roads will ease the movement of people, agricultural produce, and other goods.

“These roads are lifelines for our communities and once rehabilitated, they will not only connect us better internally but also strengthen our link with neighbouring districts,” Okot said.

He added that the two roads provide direct access to Kitgum district and serve as alternative routes toward Pader and Gulu districts, reducing travel time and facilitating cross-border trade.

Lamwo District LC5 chairperson, Oyet Sisto Ocen, said the shs422 million allocation reflects the government’s continued commitment to rural infrastructure. He emphasized that priority was given to roads that support agriculture and local commerce.

“We identified roads that serve farming communities and trading centres because agriculture remains the backbone of our local economy,” Oyet stated.

“Improved roads will lower transport costs for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase access to markets,” he added.

He also highlighted that better roads would improve access to social services, including schools and health facilities, particularly in remote areas, and urged residents to cooperate with technical teams during implementation.

Lamwo Resident District Commissioner, William Komakech, commended the prompt rollout of works and pledged close monitoring to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money.

“We must ensure that every shilling released by the government is put to its intended purpose, and he warned contractors and technical officers against misuse of funds and stressed strict adherence to engineering standards to guarantee durable results,” Komakech said.

Komakech further encouraged residents to actively monitor projects and report irregularities to relevant authorities.

Secretary for works and technical services, Abalo Doris, confirmed that the district engineering department had deployed equipment and personnel to Palabek Abera to expedite maintenance and the scope of work includes bush clearing, road surface reshaping, grading, and installing proper drainage systems.

“Drainage improvement is a key component, and we are opening water channels and culverts to ensure rainwater flows away from the road surface, which will significantly enhance durability, especially during the rainy season,” Abalo explained.

Routine maintenance will be conducted alongside periodic interventions to restore deteriorated sections and the engineering team noted that early intervention helps prevent costly full-scale rehabilitation later.

Local leaders emphasized that consistent maintenance, rather than waiting for total road failure, is key to sustainable infrastructure management.

With continued support from the Uganda Road Fund and effective oversight, they expressed optimism that Lamwo’s roads will progressively improve.

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As grading and drainage works continue, residents anticipate smoother travel and renewed economic activity along the rehabilitated corridors.

District authorities pledged to complete works on schedule and according to approved technical specifications, highlighting infrastructure as a cornerstone of rural development.

Officials said the maintenance programme is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Lamwo’s road network and stimulate socio-economic growth.

Improved roads are expected to support agricultural value chains, facilitate the movement of extension workers, and enhance emergency response services.