Shock has gripped residents of Amolatar and Dokolo districts following the rapid deterioration of the vital Dokolo–Ochero–Namasale road, a major lifeline linking four districts—Dokolo, Kaberamaido, Amolatar, and Nakasongola.
Once a key alternative route, especially during the temporary closure of the Karuma Bridge, the 34-kilometre stretch from Dokolo to Ochero has now become nearly impassable, with large potholes, deep ruts, and frequent washouts disrupting movement.
The worsening state of the road has forced travellers to reroute through longer paths, such as Dokolo to Kaberamaido town, before reaching Ochero, significantly increasing travel time and costs.
The road, which also connects to the MV Kyoga I and II ferries at the Namasale–Nakasongola crossing, is a critical access route to Kampala for people in the Lango and Kyoga sub-regions.
However, with the current damage, many vehicles have broken down, while others are being diverted to fragile district and community roads, accelerating their wear and tear.
Alarmed by the strain on the road network, Amolatar district authorities recently imposed a ban on heavy trucks and trailers using the district’s routes.
The LCV Chairperson of Amolatar, Geoffrey Ocen, blamed the damage on overloaded trucks and said the situation was being made worse by a lack of response from the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Ocen questioned why neighbouring Kaberamaido had received road rehabilitation support while the Dokolo–Namasale road remained neglected.
“We have made several requests, but the ministry says there are no funds available. Our roads are in crisis,” he said.
However, the Assistant RDC of Amolatar, Boniface Pule, dismissed the chairman’s remarks as political, stating that the government is already working on a plan to repair the road infrastructure.
He called on residents to acknowledge the achievements of the ruling NRM government in improving access in other parts of the district.
Meanwhile, the crisis extends beyond the main road. Key district routes, including Aguludia–Anino-olal–Agoga and Opir–Nalibwoyo Landing Site, are submerged due to rising Lake Kyoga water levels.
Other roads like Namasale–Chakwara–Awelo and Alemere–Munutu–Odyak have also been rendered unusable.
Business in the district is reeling from the transport challenges. Sam Odongo, who chairs the Amolatar business community, said the breakdown in road connectivity has paralysed trade, with many businesses shutting down due to delivery delays and rising transport costs.
“Goods can no longer reach us. Vehicles break down before they even get here. The business environment is collapsing,” he said.
Amolatar, which sits as a peninsula surrounded by Lakes Kyoga and Kwania, now finds itself increasingly isolated, with only one official entry point through the Nakasongola ferry and limited exits via Dokolo or Kaberamaido—both of which are compromised.
