Gulu constructs new road to link farmers to South Sudan market

GULU – Gulu district is constructing a 17 km road to link farmers in Awach sub-county to a bigger market in the neighboring South Sudan.

The road worth Shs 165 million is expected to be completed in the next two months.

It will stretch from Awach-Patiko via an already existing road in Owoo sub-county to Pabbo sub county to join the Gulu-Juba highway.

Opiyo Christopher Ateke, the Gulu district Chairperson said, the district is partnering with Rhino Star Construction Company Limited to construct the road.

Opiyo said that, “Farmers have been complaining that they are spending too much money on transport to access the market in South Sudan. When the road is complete, farmers will no longer have to go through Gulu City to access South Sudan.”

“Farmers will just cross to Patiko through Pawel Angany to Pabbo then to South Sudan instead of going through Gulu City which is expensive,” he said.

Through the new road, farmers will also easily access Elegu border market which attracts traders from various neighboring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia among others.

Elegu, located approximately 105 kilometers north of Gulu City is an international border between Uganda and South Sudan.

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Gulu district administrative headquarters was in July 2020 relocated to Awach sub-county after Gulu Municipal Council was elevated to a city.

Public transport from Awach to Gulu City costs Shs 15,000 on a boda-boda and about Shs 10,000 in a taxi while Gulu City to Elegu border town is Shs 20,000.

Acen Agnes, a farmer in Awach sub-county says she has been afraid to venture into selling her goods at Elegu border town because of the transport costs.

“I always rely on buyers who come to our village with trucks to buy produce from farmers because I don’t want to incur more costs on transport but when this new road is completed, I will transport my goods to Elegu and also earn more money for my produce,” she said.

Acen majorly grows beans, maize and soya beans to pay school fees for her five children.

Acen is a member of Awach Improved Housing Co-operative Union.The group is currently using their proceeds from agriculture to build better housing for members.

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