Dilapidated roads and bridges cripple trade in West Nile

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reports that ageing bridges and poor roads in Uganda’s West Nile sub-region are disrupting commerce, raising transport expenses and creating safety risks for residents and businesses. The report focuses on Nebbi District areas including Nyaravur, Angal Town Council, Parombo, Akworo and Erussi, where bridges built more than 30 years ago are said to have deteriorated, with damaged approaches, cracks and missing guardrails affecting key routes.

According to the report, the rainy season worsens conditions on crossings such as Ayilla, Pacing and Akuru, sometimes leaving trucks stuck for long periods on corridors including Nyaravur–Parombo, Nebbi–Goli, Zombo and Vurra. Marvin Okaba of Rock Global Oils Limited told the publisher that the company’s fuel and goods transport operations have been hit by vehicle damage, delays, higher fuel use and security concerns. The report says the firm has 26 trucks, with a loaded fuel truck carrying cargo valued at about Shs64 million.

Nebbi District Chairperson George Othuba acknowledged that several bridges on the Nyaravur–Angal–Parombo road are beyond their intended lifespan and unsuitable for heavy traffic, but remain in use because alternative links are lacking. He said the district receives about Shs1 billion for road maintenance, while eight identified bridges would each require an estimated Shs2.8 billion to replace.

Residents and drivers also told The Independent that poor infrastructure slows emergency referrals to Angal Hospital and Nebbi Hospital and increases accident risks. Among structures residents want prioritized are Ayilla, Acodho, Pacing, Akuru, Kibira, Abindu and Namthin bridges. The wider concern is that unreliable transport links may keep trade costs high, limit market access and discourage investment in West Nile.