MASINDI, March 6, 2025 – Government has commenced the construction of access roads in the two sub-counties of Kiruli and Bwijanga under the National Oil Seed Project [NOSP].
The roads, which are set to be upgraded to full gravel, will be constructed by NATO Engineering Company Limited and include the following routes: Kiruli-Kikasa [2.8 kilometres], Kyababyara-Nyakabaale [1.45 km], Nyakarongo-Nyakatoti [1.1 km], and Kyandangi-Kyamaiso-Rwenjojo-Rwenziramire [11.5 km].
The construction works began on Wednesday after a contract worth Shs 1.5 billion was signed between Masindi District Local Government and NATO Engineering Company Limited, the contractor selected to build the roads.
“The project [NOSP] will rehabilitate 13.6 km of community access roads, upgrading them to full gravel over the course of eight months,” said Eng. Joseph Sunday, the Project Manager and District Supervisor of Roads.
Sunday added that a total of 30 km of roads would be rehabilitated, albeit in phases, under the NOSP.
According to Tappy Namulondo, the Chief Administrative Officer of Masindi, NOSP was launched in the district to boost the growth of cereals such as sunflower, sesame, and groundnuts, among others.
“Use these roads to boost your household income through cereal production, as they will provide easier access to markets. Welcome this project, as it will help you derive more value from your land,” she said, urging residents to embrace all government programmes aimed at tackling household poverty.
Residents celebrate
“I want to thank the government for considering working on our roads. Since time immemorial, I have never seen any government work on these roads. People, especially women and children, have struggled to go to school, and mothers have had difficulties accessing health centres. You would have produce, but no way to take it to market,” said Moses Kazibwe, a resident of Kiruli Cell.
Paul Mugani, a resident of Nyakarongo village, noted that the project would greatly improve the road network in their area, which had previously been impassable.
Serevesitino Aguida, the Chairperson of Kiruli-Kikasa village, called for quality work, adding that residents did not want to see any shoddy construction given the large sum of money invested in the project.
“We want value for money and swift construction. I also want to thank the government for connecting us to markets and other social services,” he added.
Leaders weigh in
Eddy Aguuda, the LCIII Chairperson of Kiruli Subcounty, warned residents against misusing the roads, particularly through fuel siphoning and the movement of cattle along them, which often leads to road damage.
“We also have a challenge with people who destroy the roads using tractors and ox ploughs. Let us all take responsibility and protect these roads together, as a significant amount of money has been invested in them,” said Aguuda.
James Mudede, the LCIII Chairperson of Bwijanga Subcounty, encouraged his constituents to use the roads to improve their household incomes, now that the previously impassable roads had been resolved.
“I want to thank the government for this opportunity. It’s the first time we are getting roads with such a large government investment. Let us use these resources wisely to improve our livelihoods,” Mudede said.
Emmanuel Twesigye, the Director of NATO Engineering Company Limited, asked for cooperation from the community and local leaders to ensure the project’s successful completion.
“We expect to deliver quality work and to complete the project on time,” he said, noting that much of the work would be executed by local residents.
Cosmas Byaruhanga, the Masindi District LCV Chairperson, warned against substandard work but also urged the contractor to complete the project within the specified timeframe.
Other developments
In a related development, Masindi District Local Government also launched the construction of roads worth Shs 250 million in Budongo and Nyantonzi Subcounties. These roads include Bulyango Bwinamira (11 km) worth Shs 150 million and Bisaju-Tiwasati (11.5 km) worth Shs 100 million.
About NOSP
The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Local Government, is implementing the seven-year [2021-2027] NOSP in most regions of Uganda. The project is funded by a loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development [IFAD] and the OPEC Fund for International Development [OFID].
According to government, the project’s goal is “inclusive rural transformation through the sustainable development of the oilseeds sector”. This is to be achieved by accelerating commercialisation in key oilseeds value chains, thereby improving the livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers engaged in oilseed production and marketing.
https://thecooperator.news/nosp-to-construct-2500km-of-community-roads-in-lango-and-teso/
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