By In a major step toward rural transformation and market access for smallholder farmers, Otuke District has launched a 16.9-kilometre community access road under the National Oilseeds Project (NOSP). The new road is expected to enhance connectivity between Ogor and Okwang sub-counties, directly benefiting oilseed farmers and local traders.
Launched on Tuesday, the road connects Ogor Village–Omwonylee Primary School–Atat Village and Ameri Market–Anik Market–Okore, forming a crucial transport link in northern Uganda’s growing oilseed value chain. This marks the first official road launch under NOSP countrywide.
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Speaking at the event, Otuke Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Susan Jolly Abeja, hailed the project as a long-awaited breakthrough for communities that have struggled with poor road access for decades.
“These roads were once impassable, cutting off farmers from markets and opportunities. With this development, farmers will now sell directly to buyers, reducing the grip of middlemen and increasing household incomes,” Hon. Abeja said.
Representing the Ministry of Local Government, Commissioner for Local Economic Development Anthony Namara reiterated government’s commitment to grassroots economic empowerment.
“This road supports two critical pillars of the Parish Development Model production, storage, processing and marketing (Pillar 1), and infrastructure and economic services (Pillar 2),” Namara said. “We are aligning infrastructure with economic goals to improve livelihoods across Uganda.”
Constructed by M/S GAT Consults Ltd at a cost of UGX 1.63 billion, the road is built to Class III District Road standards. It measures 7.3 metres wide with a 100mm gravel thickness and includes 49 reinforced concrete-encased culvert lines. Completion is expected by October 25, 2025.
The project is part of NOSP’s larger plan to construct 2,500km of Community Access Roads (CARs) across 81 districts. Under the current Batch A, 1,034km are under execution, with road designs developed by NOSP engineers in collaboration with district and Ministry of Works officials. The designs also incorporate climate-smart features such as proper drainage, environmental safeguards, and tree planting.
The NOSP Project Coordinator, Hajji Yasin Sendaula, applauded the teamwork among government ministries, district authorities, and community members. He called for full ownership of the road by residents to ensure sustainability.
Community members provided land voluntarily through the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process, and the road will be maintained by the Otuke District Local Government under the Uganda Road Fund Maintenance Programme.
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The National Oilseeds Project, which began in July 2021 and runs until September 2028, is jointly funded by IFAD, OFID, Heifer International, Kuehne Stiftung Foundation, and the Government of Uganda. The project promotes oilseed crops including sunflower, soybean, sesame, and groundnuts through infrastructure development and value chain strengthening.
The launch attracted significant attendance, including the NOSP Technical Team, district officials from across the region, and community stakeholders. District engineers, CAOs, RDCs, and Parish Development Committee members were present to witness the milestone.
As Uganda continues its push for inclusive rural development, the Otuke road launch stands as a powerful example of integrated government action translating into real-world change for communities at the grassroots.
