By David Mwanje
A dusty trail once plagued by potholes and impassable rains has been transformed into a 16.9-kilometer lifeline for the people of Otuke District. Under the National Oilseeds Project (NOSP), the newly launched community access road connecting Ogor Village–Omwonylee P/S–Atat Village and Ameri Market Anik Market Okore is set to revolutionize rural livelihoods, boost oilseed trade, and connect farmers directly to markets. Launched with fanfare on June 25, 2025, this road marks the first of its kind under NOSP, signaling a brighter future for Uganda’s agricultural heartland.
The ribbon cutting ceremony, led by Otuke’s Woman MP, Hon. Susan Jolly Abeja, buzzed with excitement as locals, district officials, and project partners gathered to celebrate. “This road is a game changer,” Hon. Abeja declared, her voice resonating with pride. “For years, our farmers struggled to get their produce to market. Middlemen took advantage, but now, with this road, our people can connect directly to buyers, boosting incomes and transforming lives.”
Funded by a powerhouse coalition including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), Heifer International, Kuehne Stiftung Foundation, and the Government of Uganda, the NOSP is a bold initiative to supercharge the oilseed sector think sunflowers, soybeans, sesame, and groundnuts. Running from July 2021 to September 2028, the project spans 81 districts and aims to construct 2,500km of community access roads (CARs) nationwide, with Otuke’s new road among the first 1,034km in Batch A.
Built by M/S GAT Consults Ltd for UGX 1.63 billion (VAT inclusive), this 7.3 meter wide road meets Class III District Road standards, boasting a 100mm gravel layer and 49 reinforced culvert lines (26 of 600mm and 23 of 900mm) for durability. Designed with climate resilience in mind complete with engineered drainage, tree planting, and environmental safeguards it’s built to withstand Uganda’s unpredictable weather. Construction began in February 2025 and is on track for completion by October 25, 2025, just in time to serve farmers during peak harvest season.
“This road is more than gravel and culverts; it’s a bridge to opportunity,” said Anthony Namara, Commissioner for Local Economic Development, representing the Ministry of Local Government’s Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya. “It aligns with the Parish Development Model’s core pillars: enhancing production, storage, processing, marketing, and infrastructure. We’re not just building roads we’re building wealth for rural Uganda.”
The road’s impact is already sparking hope. Farmers in Ogor and Okwang sub-counties, who once lost crops to delayed transport or exploitative middlemen, now envision better profits and access to larger markets. The project’s Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) model ensured community buy-in, with locals voluntarily donating land for construction. Post-handover, Otuke District Local Government will maintain the road with support from the Uganda Road Fund, ensuring its longevity.
Hajji Yasin Sendaula, NOSP Project Coordinator, beamed with optimism at the launch. “This is what collaboration looks like,” he said, urging residents to protect and own the road. District officials, including Chief Administrative Officers, Resident District Commissioners, and engineers, echoed his call, emphasizing the project’s transparency and quality, overseen by Parish Development Committees and local teams.
The Otuke road is a shining example of Uganda’s push for rural transformation through smart infrastructure and agricultural innovation. As part of NOSP’s broader mission, it’s paving the way literally for farmers to thrive in the oilseed value chain. With 92 similar roads under construction across 81 districts, the ripple effects of this initiative promise to uplift communities nationwide.
As the sun set over Otuke, the new road gleamed with possibility, a symbol of progress and a testament to what’s possible when government, communities, and global partners unite. For the farmers of Ogor and Okwang, this isn’t just a road it’s the path to a brighter, more prosperous future.
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