Soroti District To Gain 13.5km Atirir–Orungo Border Road Under RUDSEC Programme
By Peterson Hiirya.
Soroti District is among the beneficiaries of the Government’s Rural Development and Food Security (RUDSEC) Project following the launch of construction works for more than 41 kilometres of community access roads across the Teso Sub-region.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday in Serere District and was officiated by the Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Justine Nameere Nsubuga.
The event attracted leaders from the beneficiary districts, development partners, and technical officials overseeing the project.
Under Lot 8 of the programme, Soroti District will receive the 13.5-kilometre Atirir–Orungo Border Road.
The road is expected to improve transport and connectivity, ease the movement of agricultural produce, lower transport costs, and increase access to markets, schools, and health facilities.
The Soroti District delegation was led by LCV Chairperson Hon. Bob Owiny and included Resident District Commissioner Hajj Imran Muluga, Chief Administrative Officer Emmanuel Ssempala, District Engineer Simon Okello, and District Community Development Officer Johna Egwayu.
The RUDSEC Project covers three road sections within the Teso Sub-region:
• Lot 9: Serere–Upper Shops–Akobol and Kamod–Otimong–Akobi roads (14.9km) in Serere District.
• Lot 8: Atirir–Orungo Border Road (13.5km) in Soroti District.
• Lot 7: Ochero–Bugoi Road (12.8km) in Kaberamaido District.
Speaking during the launch, Hon. Nameere said the €32.1 million project, jointly funded by the Government of Uganda and the German Government through KfW Development Bank, reflects the government’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure and boosting socio-economic development.
She explained that the project complements the Parish Development Model by enhancing agricultural production, value addition, market access, and rural connectivity.
“The objective is to unlock the region’s agricultural potential by reducing post-harvest losses, cutting transport costs, and connecting farmers to better markets. These roads are an important investment in rural transformation and wealth creation,” she said.
The Minister urged contractors and supervising engineers to complete the works within the agreed timelines while maintaining high construction standards.
She cautioned against poor workmanship, unnecessary delays, and misuse of public resources, warning that those responsible would be held accountable.
She also called upon Resident District Commissioners, District Chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers, engineers, and other technical teams to closely supervise the implementation process to ensure quality and value for money.
Communities were encouraged to support the project by cooperating with contractors, safeguarding the completed infrastructure, and taking advantage of employment opportunities that will arise during construction.
Once completed, the Atirir–Orungo Border Road is expected to strengthen rural connectivity in Soroti District, support agricultural commercialisation, improve market access, and enhance service delivery for communities along the route.
