Key concerns raised included lack of access to homes and business premises, a narrowed road design despite prior compensation for a wider space, inadequate community sensitization, and poor supervision of the works by city authorities.
By Denish Ongora.
LIRA CITY. 2Ist April 2026. Residents and business owners in Lira City have protested alleged poor road works, saying they are causing flooding, accidents, and limiting access to homes and businesses.
The protest, held this morning, brought together communities from Ireda Shamber, Obutuwelo, Central Park, and Anai, who expressed frustration over the ongoing Rwekunye–Apac–Lira to Acholi Bur road project.
Chairman of the Grievance Management Committee of Rainbow Trading Centre, Bosco Olulung, said the major concern is poor traffic control at construction sites, which has led to accidents and disrupted business operations.
He added that shops and homes are being flooded due to inadequate drainage systems along the road.
Fredrick Doi, Chairperson of the Lira Chamber of Commerce, described Rainbow as a fast-growing trading hub with increasing traffic, calling for the inclusion of two service lanes to support business activity and reduce accidents caused by heavy trucks.
Key concerns raised included lack of access to homes and business premises, a narrowed road design despite prior compensation for a wider space, inadequate community sensitization, and poor supervision of the works by city authorities.
Residents also questioned the drainage capacity, saying it cannot handle heavy rains, which has led to flooding, and demanded assurance on the installation of street lights.
Responding to the concerns, City Engineer Owiny Fred said the city had earlier submitted a road design to the Ministry of Works, including pavements, service ducts provisions, and access points. However, he noted that the revised design was not presented back to the city and promised to follow up.
Sam Atul said a representative from the contractor, Gulsan, had initially come but left due to fears of unrest.
According to a message delivered to the meeting by Mayor Atul, officials from the Ministry of Works and contractor, Gulsan, have assured the community of their attendance at the meeting scheduled for Saturday this week.
Deputy RCC for Lira West, Joan Apio, supported the community’s right to raise concerns and pledged to follow up on the matter.
Lira City West Division Mayor, Amolo Rose Ongom, urged the engineer to take the concerns seriously and encouraged residents to attend the Saturday meeting for further discussions.
The meeting is expected to provide a platform for dialogue between the community, city authorities, and project stakeholders.
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