Dokolo–Namasale Road Upgrade Still Awaits Government Approval as CRBC Updates Studies

What the report says

The Ministry of Works and Transport says there is still no confirmed start date for the long-promised upgrade of the 88km Dokolo–Ocher–Namasale Road, even as preparations continue for the project. In a letter dated September 29, 2026, Minister Fred Byamukama told Kyoga North MP Geoffrey Ocen that older feasibility studies and engineering designs, completed in 2016, must be reviewed and updated before government can decide on the way forward.

According to the ministry, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has expressed interest in taking on the work and is currently revising the earlier studies to reflect current conditions along the corridor. The updated technical work is expected to help determine the right implementation and financing model, but officials said it would be premature to announce a construction timeline before the studies and formal approval steps are finished.

The road has been a recurring issue in the area, with Ocen pressing government for clearer action after years of deterioration. He said traffic has increased on alternative routes, making travel longer for people heading to Dokolo and Lira, and noted the road’s importance for farming, trade, health access and tourism. He also cited the corridor’s place in national planning documents and previous political commitments to improve it.

While waiting for full rehabilitation, the ministry said it may carry out maintenance on difficult sections when resources allow, especially where rainy-season conditions make travel harder. The story, as reported by Dokolo Post, highlights the gap between policy promises and the slower technical and approval process needed before construction can begin.