Kitgum residents hope new road financing will unlock trade, tourism and better services

For decades, travelling from Kitgum to Kidepo Valley National Park has been a difficult journey marked by rough road sections, high transport costs, and long travel times. 

Farmers have watched transporters charge more to collect produce, traders have struggled to access markets, and communities along the route have endured limited access to essential services.

Now, hope is rising after the Government of Uganda secured €110.5 million (about Shs481 billion) to finance the construction of the 115.8km Kitgum–Kidepo Road, a project residents believe could transform livelihoods across Northern Uganda.

The financing agreement was signed by the Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, and Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Rughani, paving the way for implementation of one of the region’s most anticipated infrastructure projects.

The government says the road will improve connectivity between Kitgum district and Kidepo Valley National Park while promoting trade, tourism and regional economic integration.

But for many residents, the project means much more than a new tarmac road. For Cinderella Akello, a produce trader at Kitgum Main Market, the poor condition of the road has made doing business increasingly expensive.

“Sometimes transport costs consume most of our profits because drivers charge more due to the bad road. If the road is improved, more buyers will come directly to us and farmers will earn better incomes,” she said.

Along the same route, commercial driver Peter Ocaya said poor road conditions have been increasing vehicle repair costs for years.

“We spend a lot of money repairing vehicles damaged by potholes and rough sections. A good road means safer travel, less fuel consumption and lower transport fares for passengers,” Ocaya explained.

Farmers also believe improved transport will reduce post-harvest losses. Beatrice Lamaro, a farmer from Orom sub-county, said many farmers fail to sell fresh produce on time because transport is unreliable.

“When vehicles refuse to come because the road is bad, our produce spoils. We believe the new road will help us access better markets and improve household incomes,” she said.

Tourism operators say easier access to Kidepo Valley National Park could also create new opportunities for local communities. James Ojara, who operates a small guesthouse in Kitgum Municipality, believes improved roads will attract more tourists travelling to the park.

“When more visitors pass through Kitgum, hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, shops and local guides will all benefit. Many young people could find employment because of increased tourism,” he said.

Kitgum district chairperson Tony Blair Tolit said the road is expected to improve access to healthcare, education and government services while stimulating private investment.

“This road has been a priority for many years because it connects communities to economic opportunities. Better roads reduce the cost of doing business and encourage investors to establish industries in the region,” he said.

Minister of State for Finance Henry Musasizi described the financing agreement as another step in the government’s commitment to expanding strategic infrastructure that supports national development.

He said the project is expected to improve movement of people and goods, lower transport costs and unlock economic potential across the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions.

Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Rughani said the bank remains committed to supporting projects that improve livelihoods and contribute to Uganda’s long-term development.

For many residents of Kitgum, however, the greatest expectation is simple: a road that connects communities to opportunities.

As construction preparations begin, farmers, traders, transport operators and tourism businesses are hopeful that the long-awaited project will finally ease decades of transport challenges and open a new chapter of economic growth for Northern Uganda.