The government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, is set to improve over 2240 km of roads in Karamoja and the neighboring sub-region.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Transport, the effort is aimed at curbing insecurity in the region.

“Karamoja’s persistent insecurity can partly be blamed on inaccessibility to certain areas of the region; this has prompted the cabinet to direct the opening up and improvement of about 2240 km of roads in Karamoja and the neighbouring sub-regions,“ the Ministry of Works and Transport stated.

Working with National Enterprise Uganda (NEC), the Ministry noted that they are currently undertaking Lots 1 and 2 of the emergency opening and improvement of security roads in Karamoja.

“Lot 1, which includes Nakiroki-Naput-Kotein-Loyoro (88 km) and Loyoro-Lopedo-Turuturu (50 km), has a total of 138 km. While Lot 2 comprises Karisarik-Magos-Naput Road (32 km) and Kobebe-Kalongolemuge-Nakapelimoru Road in Karamoja regions(80 km), for a total of 112 km,” the ministry added.

The roads aimed at enabling military patrol in the area are expected to enhance security, facilitate the provision of clean water services, encourage settlement and food production, and eventually lead to the transformation and development of these areas.

In 2023, the Ugandan People’s Defence Force and the Ministry of Works and Transport launched a ground-breaking ceremony at the Sinyu Kobebe road junction in Napak District.