Pakwach, Uganda
Robert Omito Steen, the LCV Chairperson of Pakwach District, has issued an urgent warning that continued flooding from River Tangi could sever the critical Pakwach–Nwoya Road, a major trade artery linking Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic (CAR), and South Sudan.
Rising Threat from River Tangi
For the past three years, heavy rains have caused River Tangi to overflow, repeatedly disrupting traffic and damaging infrastructure. The situation has raised alarms over the potential isolation of communities and economic losses due to halted cross-border trade.
Tragic Incident Highlights Risks
The dangers of the flooding were tragically underscored in November 2024, when Yahaya Hassan, a marine engineer with the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), drowned while attempting to retrieve a drone lost in the floodwaters during an assessment mission.
Call for Immediate Intervention
Chairperson Steen has called on the Ministry of Works and Transport to take swift action, emphasizing that preventive measures—such as reinforced drainage systems or elevated road sections—are needed to avert a full-blown transport crisis.
“If nothing is done, this road will soon be impassable, cutting off vital supply routes and stranding thousands,” Steen stated.
Regional Impact
The Pakwach–Nwoya Road is a lifeline for regional trade, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers between Uganda and neighboring countries. Its disruption could exacerbate food shortages and inflate transport costs across the region.
Local leaders and residents are now urging the government to prioritize long-term solutions before the next rainy season.
