LOCALS WELCOME CONSTRUCTION OF OMODOI–OCOKICAN–ABAONGO ROAD

By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti

Residents of Ocokican Sub-county have welcomed the ongoing construction of the 12.5-kilometre Omodoi–Ocokican–Abaongo road, saying the project will significantly improve transportation, access to social services, and economic activities in the area.

The road, which connects Ocokican Sub-county to several strategic trading centres and neighbouring communities, is currently under construction. Works commenced recently following its official launch by district authorities. Local leaders say the project has long been overdue, as the road had remained in poor condition for many years, making movement difficult, especially during the rainy season.

The Ocokican Sub-county LC III Chairperson, Mr Stephen Ebunyu, said once completed, the road will ease transportation and improve mobility within the sub-county. He noted that residents have struggled for years due to the poor state of the road, which affected access to schools, markets and health facilities.

“This road has been in a very bad state for a long time. When it is completed, movement within the sub-county will be much easier,” Mr Ebunyu said. “Our children will now be able to go to school more easily, and traders will access markets without the challenges we have faced before.”

Mr Ebunyu thanked the district leadership for allocating funds towards the construction of the road, describing the project as a major step towards improving service delivery and supporting local development.

According to the Soroti District Engineer, Mr Simon Okello, the 12.5-kilometre road was allocated Shs114 million under the district’s Shs1 billion road fund for the 2025/2026 financial year. He said the works are progressing well, with most of the planned activities already underway.

Mr Okello revealed that about 80 percent of the road gravelling works have been completed, while installation of culverts is ongoing to ensure proper drainage and durability of the road.

“The project is progressing as planned. Gravelling is about 80 percent complete, and culvert installation is currently in progress,” Mr Okello said.

He called on the local community to take ownership of the road once construction is completed, urging residents to protect the infrastructure from misuse and vandalism.

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