Contractors ordered to prioritise local workers as Northern Uganda road projects begin

21 July 2026, 7:44 am

By Geoffrey Okwong

Contractors implementing community access road projects in Pader, Agago and Lamwo districts have been directed to give priority to local residents in employment and ensure the projects deliver lasting socio-economic benefits to the communities they are intended to serve.

The directive was issued by the Minister of State for Local Government, Justine Namere Nsubuga, during the official launch of the Rural Development and Food Security Project (RUDSEC) at Puranga Primary School in Puranga Town Council.

The roads, funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank, include the 15-kilometre Kalongo–Lomoi Road (Section A) in Agago District, the 14.9-kilometre Kalongo–Lomoi Road (Section B), the 21.6-kilometre Corner Ongwec–Tenten Road in Lamwo District and the 18-kilometre Puranga–Ogonyo–Achola Stream Road in Pader District.

Addressing contractors, Namere said the government expects local communities to benefit directly from the investment through employment and business opportunities created during construction.

She cautioned contractors against bringing in workers from outside the project areas to perform jobs that could easily be undertaken by local residents.

“Leave your girlfriends and boyfriends in Kampala. Give these jobs to our people. Many of the tasks on these projects require simple skills that our people can quickly learn. The food you buy should come from this community, and the labour should also come from this community,” the minister said.

She added that the project is intended not only to improve road infrastructure but also to stimulate local economies by creating jobs, supporting local businesses and increasing household incomes.

Representing the German Government through KfW Development Bank, Senior Portfolio Coordinator Dr. Eng. Milton Edimu urged communities to take ownership of the project and work closely with contractors to ensure its success.

He said development partners expect the infrastructure to create lasting benefits for the people beyond the construction period.

Pader District Chief Administrative Officer Suzan Adong said the district had completed all the required consultations and preparations before handing over the Puranga–Ogonyo–Achola Stream Road to the contractor.

She said consultations involved the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Works and Transport, consultants, district leaders and the affected communities to ensure the project responds to local needs.

Adong explained that the road project is intended to improve the incomes and livelihoods of farming households by reducing transport costs and improving access to markets, schools, health facilities and agricultural extension services.

She said the 18-kilometre Puranga–Ogonyo–Achola Stream Road, being constructed by Unified Investment Company Limited at a contract value of UGX 1.219 billion (excluding VAT), is expected to be completed by 13 March 2027.

The CAO urged the contractor to mobilise quickly, adhere to approved engineering standards and maintain quality throughout construction.

Pader District LCV Chairperson Alfred Akena welcomed the government’s directive on community participation and pledged that district leaders would closely monitor the works to ensure local people benefit from the project.

He said the district would work with contractors and technical teams to ensure the investment delivers value for money while improving the district’s road network.

Aruu County MP Christopher Komakech also appealed to contractors to uphold high standards and avoid compromising the quality of the roads.

He noted that the Puranga–Ogonyo–Achola Stream Road had been delayed for nearly a decade and urged all stakeholders to ensure its implementation remains on schedule.

The minister further directed contractors to source goods and services locally wherever possible, saying the project should stimulate economic activity in the beneficiary districts during construction.

She called on local communities to cooperate with contractors, protect construction equipment and seize the employment and business opportunities that will arise from the project.

Once completed, the community access roads are expected to improve the movement of agricultural produce, reduce transport costs, increase access to essential services and contribute to the government’s efforts to transform rural livelihoods in Northern Uganda.