Kotido, Uganda
After weeks of isolation, rising transport costs, and disrupted livelihoods, Kotido District has received a much-needed breakthrough: the Ugandan government has officially included its flood-damaged roads in the nationwide emergency repair campaign.
The announcement, made by State Minister for Works and Transport Musa Ecweru, confirms that Shs250 million has been dispatched to each district, including Kotido, to begin urgent road rehabilitation.
Among the roads prioritized are the Kotido–Kanawat–Abim and Kanawat–Koputh–Kaabong, Moroto – Kotido routes, which have become nearly impassable due to landslides, deep mud, and broken culverts.
“These roads are more than just infrastructure—they’re lifelines for our people,” said Kotido RDC Charles Ichogor, who has been actively monitoring the situation.
Local traders say the road closures have led to sharp price hikes and supply delays. Akiru Longole, a vegetable vendor in Kanawat, shared her frustration:
“I used to get fresh produce every two days. Now I wait a week, and everything costs more. Customers are angry, but what can we do?”
Earlier this year, Kotido Municipal Council contracted three firms to rehabilitate nine roads totaling 28.2 kilometers, but progress was hampered by procurement delays and heavy rains. The new funding is expected to accelerate these efforts and expand repairs to flood-damaged sections.
Town Clerk Emmanuel Okaja emphasized the importance of transparency and community cooperation:
“We’re committed to ensuring value for money. This is about restoring dignity and opportunity for our communities.”
Police and technical teams are on standby to manage traffic and ensure safety.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Disaster and Preparedness is finalizing resettlement plans for displaced families in flood-prone areas. Commissioner Davis Mwenyi reiterated the government’s priority:
“We would rather lose property than lose people.”
As Kotido braces for more rain, the district joins others across Uganda in a race against time to reconnect communities, restore livelihoods, and stabilize local economies. For many, the repairs signal not just recovery—but renewed hope.
