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Poor roads turn Tegwana into a business dead zone

19 August 2026, 12:17 pm

A section of John Oniri Road, stretching from Sultan Petrol Station through Oskab Hotel in Tegwana Ward, Layibi Central Cell, Pece-Laroo Division, Gulu City.

By Walter Kidega

Gulu City, Uganda — Business communities in Tegwana Ward, Pece-Laroo Division, Gulu City, have raised concerns over the poor state of roads in the area, saying the deteriorating road network is slowing down business and making it difficult for customers and other road users to access the area, especially at night.

Speaking to our reporter on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Dr Odeba Simon Bismark, Director of Oskab Hotel, said the roads in Tegwana had gone for a long time without proper maintenance. He singled out John Oniri Road, which connects Sultan Energy through Gyda to Oskab Hotel, describing it as one of the worst roads in the area.

According to Odeba, the road has numerous potholes and a damaged bridge that prevents proper drainage, making movement particularly difficult during the rainy season.

Odeba added that the poor road conditions are affecting businesses across the area, particularly at night, when the roads become dark and overgrown with vegetation.

Dr Odeba Simon speaks about the poor state of roads in Tegwana Ward.
A side view of Oskab Hotel, located in Tegwana Ward, Layibi Central Cell, Gulu City.

Meanwhile, Oneka Lit Geoffrey, LC1 Chairperson of Layibi Central, Tegwana Ward, agreed with the business community, saying most roads in the area are in poor condition. He identified John Oniri Road as the worst, citing the damaged bridge as a major concern.

Oneka said the poor state of the bridge has made it difficult for people travelling from town to access the area. He recalled an accident last Thursday at around 8 p.m., when a boda boda rider carrying a mother and child reportedly crashed on the same road.

He also listed Janani Loum Road, Ali Openy Road and Mama Cave Road among those in need of urgent attention. Oneka urged local leaders in Pece-Laroo Division and Gulu City to improve the roads, particularly by creating wider and more effective drainage openings to allow water to flow freely.

Oneka Lit, LC1 Chairperson of Layibi Central Cell, speaks about the poor state of roads in the area.
A boda boda rider navigates a section of the damaged road in Tegwana Ward, Gulu City.

In response, Aber Gifter, Mayor of Pece-Laroo Division, said the division is committed to working with communities to open and improve roads across the area. She said the division is awaiting the release of funds for the 2026/2027 financial year, after which road works will begin, with Tegwana among the priority areas.

Aber said the division inherited a debt of about Shs300 million from the former administration but pledged to address the financial challenges while improving road infrastructure.

She said the division has already started opening roads in Pudyek Cell and plans to open eight roads, including one in Pece Prison and another in Pakwelo, using Shs40 million in development funds. She added that areas including Tegwana, Agonga and Twon Okun Agwee will also benefit from the road-opening programme.

Gifter Aber, Mayor of Pece-Laroo Division, speaking during the handover ceremony for the Town Clerk in June 2026 at the division headquarters.
Gifter Aber, Mayor of Pece-Laroo Division, assures residents that road works will commence on various roads.

Residents and business operators in Tegwana now hope the promised road works will begin soon, saying improved roads would boost business, enhance safety and ease movement within the ward.