Uganda’s Ministry of Local Government Awards Key Contracts for Northern Infrastructure Development
Environmental Assessments Pave Way for Major Road and Market Upgrades
The Ugandan Ministry of Local Government has taken a significant step toward transforming northern Uganda’s agricultural economy by awarding critical environmental assessment contracts for infrastructure development projects. These initiatives aim to enhance market access, reduce transportation costs, and boost farmer incomes across three subregions.
Strategic Partnerships for Rural Development
Under the Rural Development and Food Security in Northern Uganda (RUDSEC) project – a five-year initiative funded by Germany’s Technical Cooperation – the ministry has signed service contracts with Gesch Consult and Ardent Services to conduct Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs). These assessments are mandatory prerequisites before construction can begin on vital road networks.
The project will focus on nine districts across three subregions:
- Acholi Subregion: Lamwo, Pader, Agago
- Lango Subregion: Lira, Dokolo, Oyam
- Teso Subregion: Soroti, Serere, Kaberamaido
Urgent Timelines and Quality Assurance
During the contract signing ceremony in Kampala, Undersecretary Hajji Kaliphan M. Sewante emphasized the project’s strict timelines: “There will be no time extensions on this assignment. You must deliver promptly with the quality stipulated in your contracts.”
Eng. Paul Mukasa Kasule, RUDSEC Project Coordinator, highlighted the assessments’ critical timing: “Climate change presents one of Uganda’s greatest development challenges. Many local governments already face significant obstacles from changing climate patterns.”
Comprehensive Infrastructure Improvements
The project scope includes:
- Road Networks: 124.1km in Acholi (Ardent Services) and 90.8km in Lango (Gesch Consult)
- Market Rehabilitation: 14 key markets including Amach, Minakulu, Katine, and Pader Town Council
Gloria Sibo Muhwezi, Gesch Consult’s Managing Director, assured quality delivery: “We commit to timely completion without compromising work standards.”
Transformational Economic Impact
The RUDSEC project promises significant benefits:
- Direct support for 3,000+ smallholder farmers through improved market access
- Reduced transportation costs and post-harvest losses
- Creation of 1,000+ jobs in construction and engineering sectors
This latest contract award follows earlier agreements with UB-Consulting Engineers, Kom Consult, and LEA Associates for road planning and supervision across the same subregions.
As climate change continues affecting local government finances through increased development costs and reduced tax bases, these infrastructure improvements aim to strengthen local economic development across northern Uganda’s agricultural heartland.
Original source: Watchdog Uganda