West Nile's Growth Stalled by Poor Road Infrastructure

Travellers and traders in Uganda’s West Nile region are expressing frustration over the dire condition of local roads, which are significantly impeding economic progress and daily life.

The poor state of arteries like the Nebbi-Goli-Paidha and Arua-Terego-Obongi roads forces long delays, increases costs for transporting goods, and hinders access to markets. Produce trader John Ogentho recounted a journey that was delayed by a punctured tire due to sharp stones on the Paidha-Nyapea road, emphasizing how “bad roads consume more time than distance.”

Residents like Benson Opio, who pushes a bicycle laden with produce to Paidha Market, lament the lack of basic infrastructure despite paying taxes for years. “Our cries for a tarmacked road have not been heard,” he stated.

The impact extends to education and healthcare, with flooded roads during the rainy season preventing pupils from attending class and cutting off access to vital health centers. “How can we talk about development when even reaching school is a struggle?” questioned parent Yeremiah Akandru.

Political leaders have repeatedly highlighted the urgent need for road upgrades, with the Nebbi-Goli-Warr-Vurra and Manibe-Terego-Yumbe-Obongi roads among those identified for tarmacking. While President Museveni has made promises during campaign rallies to prioritize road construction, many residents remain skeptical due to unfulfilled pledges from the past.

Former MP Kassiano Wadri criticized the government’s performance, stating that key sectors like roads, health, and education continue to lag behind in the region. He noted that roads once referred to by political names remain in a “terrible state.”

Despite the challenges, some development is visible. The ongoing tarmacking of the Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo road has brought optimism, with traders like Halima Anguko believing it will boost business and cross-border trade with South Sudan. The improved Atiak-Adjumani road has also already shown positive effects on trade.

According to Joel Aita, a strategic development consultant, improving roads is crucial for attracting investment, as businesses prefer areas with efficient movement of goods and workers. He highlighted the region’s strategic location bordering four countries and the potential of its informal cross-border trade, estimated at $800 million annually, to be formalized and boosted by better infrastructure.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda) https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/bumpy-roads-delay-growth-in-west-nile-5456290