Oyam Residents Pay Heavy Toll as Broken Culverts Force Costly Boat Crossings

Oyam District, Uganda — Residents of Abok and Ngai Sub Counties in Oyam District continue to endure severe hardships following the collapse of the Oryemapat swamp culverts nearly nine months ago. This critical section of the Great North Road, a vital artery running from Uganda to Cairo via South Sudan, has been impassable since August 5, 2024, when heavy flooding washed away the culverts at around 2 pm.

The broken culverts have forced road users to cross the swamp using locally made boats, a risky and costly alternative. This section of road, from Corner Molem in Kole District through Oyam to Bobbi along Gulu - Kampala Highway, is part of a planned upgrade aimed at shortening travel between Gulu Airport and the under-construction Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium. The stadium is expected to be a key venue for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Uganda is set to co-host with Kenya and Tanzania. However, the timeline for road reconstruction remains uncertain.

Tragically, the flooding on August 15, 2024, nearly claimed nine lives, including three schoolchildren, but local residents managed to rescue all those caught in the disaster. Since then, the swamp crossing has become a daily ordeal, especially for schoolchildren who must pay UGX 2,000 each way to cross by boat. Morris Ameny, a resident of Adyeny trading center, explained that children often arrive at the swamp by 6 am but must wait until 8 am for boat transport, causing delays to their education.

Local father Joe Atim expressed his frustration at the financial burden, noting that he also pays an additional UGX 6,000 to ferry his motorcycle across the swamp. Morris Ameny, a resident of Adyeny trading center in Abok Sub County, further highlighted the dangers faced when evacuating sick patients, as ambulances cannot cross the swamp, endangering lives.

Business activities are also suffering. Local businessman Tabu Bua lamented that the swamp has cut off access to Ngai market, a key trading hub held every Tuesday, severely impacting commerce. 

Oyam District LC5 Chairperson Benson Dilla has called on the Central Government to intervene, stressing that the road falls under national jurisdiction. Despite numerous appeals to the Ministry of Works and Transport and joint efforts with area MPs, no action has been taken. Dilla expressed frustration over the delay, contrasting the situation with neighboring Kole District, where MP Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti has been providing culverts to repair broken infrastructure.

“We have waited patiently, but if nothing is done this week, I will escalate the matter again with the Ministry,” Dilla said. He urged the government to prioritize the repair to restore safe and reliable transport for the thousands affected.

Dilla added that the detours forced on heavy trucks have damaged local feeder roads, adding to the community’s woes.

As the community awaits government action, the residents of Abok and Ngai Sub Counties continue to navigate the perilous swamp crossings, hoping for a swift resolution to their ongoing suffering.

Attempts to reach out to the area Members of Parliament of Oyam District for comments were fruitless as non of them picked up the multiple phone calls.