In a bid to enhance transport and market infrastructure in northern Uganda, the Ministry of Local Government has entered into agreements for conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) in the Acholi and Lango subregions. These assessments are part of the broader Rural Development and Food Security in Northern Uganda (RUDSEC) initiative, a five-year program funded by the Republic of Germany through the German Technical Cooperation.
The goal is to improve access to agricultural production zones, reduce transport expenses, and boost income for smallholder farmers. The contracts were officially signed at the ministry’s headquarters in Kampala with two consulting firms: Gesch Consult and Ardent Services.
The ESIA contracts are essential prerequisites before any road construction can proceed. This move demonstrates the government’s dedication to enhancing the livelihoods of communities in northern Uganda. The RUDSEC project covers districts in Acholi (Lamwo, Pader, Agago), Lango (Lira, Dokolo, Oyam), and Teso (Soroti, Serere, Kaberamaido).
At the contract signing, Hajji Kaliphan M. Sewante, the Undersecretary at the Ministry, urged the contractors to stick to timelines and deliver high-quality work as specified. “Extensions will not be entertained. Timely delivery of quality outputs is critical,” he emphasized.
RUDSEC Project Coordinator, Eng. Paul Mukasa Kasule, added that these assessments come at a time when climate change poses serious risks to Uganda’s development. He highlighted the importance of ensuring the project adheres to national environmental and social guidelines to mitigate any negative impacts.
“Local governments are feeling the pinch of environmental changes, which are increasing their operational costs and shrinking their revenue bases,” Sewante noted. This directly impacts the ability of communities to harness local resources for sustainable development.
Ardent Services will oversee assessments in Acholi, covering 124.1km, while Gesch Consult is responsible for 90.8km in Lango. The contract for the Teso region is still awaiting approval from the Solicitor General.
Gloria Sibo Muhwezi, Managing Director of Gesch Consult, pledged to complete the task within the stipulated timeline and maintain high standards. “Our focus is not just on timely delivery but also ensuring top-quality outcomes,” she said.
The project goes beyond roads—it also targets the upgrade of several market facilities, including those in Amach, Minakulu, Katine, Pader Town Council, Aswa, Dokolo, Loro, Dakabela, Abone, Arum, Oliga, Padibe, Oriamo, and Kidetok Mulago.
Overall, the RUDSEC initiative is set to positively impact more than 3,000 smallholder farmers by improving market access, reducing logistics costs, and cutting down post-harvest losses. Additionally, it is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs across sectors like construction, engineering, and supervision.
These ESIA contracts follow earlier engagements with UB-Consulting Engineers, Kom Consult, and LEA Associates, who were brought on board to manage planning and supervision of vital road works within the project areas.
