By Eumu Emmanuel
The projects are part of a Shs 1 billion road rehabilitation fund disbursed by the Ministry of Works and Transport to all districts.
The commissioning ceremony took place in Te-ilwa village, Bata Sub-county, and was presided over by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Babra Akech.
The event drew district leaders, technical staff, LC officials, and community members from surrounding villages including Wang Lobo, Akabi, Anyomoranga, Alapata, Alela and Ochero.
The commissioned and launched roads include: Adwoki-Amwoma (4 km) – Shs 16 million, Awiri-Igar-Amwoma (15.6 km) – Shs 84 million, Abutadii-Amunamun (8.6 km) – Shs 30.5 million, Agwata-Kwania Border (2 km) – Shs 8 million and Alapita-Atabu (8 km) – Shs 53.8 million (mechanized maintenance).
RDC Akech used the occasion to issue a strong warning against corruption and the misuse of public resources, calling on local leaders, contractors, and residents to uphold transparency and integrity.
“This money is from Ugandan taxpayers. Anyone found sabotaging these projects through theft of fuel, collusion, or falsifying reports will be held personally responsible,” Akech said.
She encouraged residents to act as watchdogs and to report any irregularities observed during the road works.
Akech further urged communities to utilize the improved road network to access markets, health services and education facilities, and to actively participate in government programs such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Youth Livelihood Program.
Geoffrey Opori, the Assistant District Engineer, confirmed that works on the Alapita–Atabu road would begin immediately, despite equipment challenges.
“We’re facing a few mechanical issues, but work is starting. I urge communities not to interfere with road reserves or block drainage channels,” Opori said.
Granfil Oryono Omonda, the District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), stressed the importance of accountability and quality control.
“The district has received an additional Shs 1 billion for road development. It is the responsibility of the engineering team to ensure proper supervision, timely progress reports and transparency in the use of these funds,” he stated.
Tonny Odongo Ocen, the Vice Chairperson Local Council V of Dokolo District, appealed to the youth not to vandalize government equipment and encouraged the community to protect the new infrastructure.
“Development begins with responsibility. Let’s safeguard these roads and elect leaders who have the capacity to lobby for more services,” he added.
Sub-county leaders, including Bata Councilor Daramoi Bob Ogwal Owaka and Local Council III Chairperson Alex Ojok, praised the initiative, noting that the rehabilitated roads would ease access to essential services.
Sarah Aguti Nyangkori, the Woman Member of Parliament for Dokolo District and Chairperson of the District Road Committee, emphasized that the funds were part of national allocations and not donations from political leaders.
“This Shs 1 billion is not from the President or the NRM. It is taxpayers’ money. Let’s use it to improve our livelihoods, support our children’s education and reduce road-related accidents,” she said.
Aguti reiterated the need for community ownership and cooperation in preserving the roads once completed.
According to the district engineering department, the road works are expected to be completed within two weeks, weather permitting