Hon. Alum Ogwang transforms Oyam swamp roads

10 September 2025, 10:41 am

By Eman yonah oruk

In a strong demonstration of responsive leadership, Hon. Santa Alum Ogwang, Woman Member of Parliament for Oyam District, has spearheaded two major swamp road rehabilitation projects—bringing relief, safety, and renewed hope to thousands of residents in Minakulu and Acaba Sub-counties.

In Orupo Village, Opuk Parish, Hon. Alum donated 15 culverts to improve the previously impassable swamp stretch linking Minakulu Town Council to the Sub county via Loka Owere. The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with local leaders, aims to improve access to Mitacoo Market and reduce road accidents.

Representing Hon. Alum at the handover, Peter Odyek stressed the inclusive nature of the project, urging residents to safeguard the road and avoid politicising development efforts. Johan Ogwang, a respected elder and former NRM Chairperson, was appointed chairman of the road committee and praised Hon. Alum’s timely intervention.

Local leaders, including LC3 Chairperson Simon Ayela and LC5 Councillor Hon. Innocent Ogwang, acknowledged that the swamp had long disrupted business and endangered lives. Their contributions of murram, alongside support from parliamentary hopeful Patrick Ogwang Obura, reflected a spirit of unity and service.

In a further intervention, Hon. Alum oversaw the rehabilitation of the Acekeleye swamp road, which had for years cut off Abeibuti Village from Awelo Buto Ryo in Oyam Town Council. Once a treacherous stretch of mud and stagnant water, the road is now motorable thanks to reinforcement with murram.

The impact has been immediate: transport costs have fallen, access to schools and health centres is safer, and local trade has revived. Community members expressed heartfelt gratitude:

• Geoffrey Ogwete, LC1 Chairman of Abeibuti: “She has given us back our dignity.”
• Denish Otia, Chairman of Acekeleye: “She has removed our tears.”
• Angom Better, resident: “Even if someone comes riding a golden horse, we shall vote for Alum.”
• Joan Obong, resident: “Her seasonal effort has come at the right time.”

Hon. Santa Alum Ogwang’s interventions go beyond infrastructure; they are a testament to her commitment to community development. Across Oyam District, she is celebrated not only as a politician but also as a protector of the vulnerable and a champion of inclusive progress.

As the newly laid murram settles and the culverts are installed, the people of Oyam walk with pride—no longer weighed down by swamps that once defined their daily struggles. And in their hearts, one name stands out with gratitude: Santa Alum Ogwang.