Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc in Lango Sub-region, Cut Off Major Roads
The flooded spots on Lira City-Otuke-Abim road
By Patrick Okino
Heavy torrential rains have caused widespread havoc in the Lango Sub-region, cutting off road networks, disrupting communication, and halting the transportation of both agricultural produce and merchandise.
According to reports, road connectivity to districts such as Otuke from Lira, Alebtong, Agago, Abim, Kalaki, and Amuria has become severely affected, with several routes rendered impassable.
Some of the most affected roads include Lira–Otuke, Alebtong–Otuke, Otuke–Agago, and Alebtong–Amuria, which are now flooded and riddled with large, dangerous potholes.
Amonmaka Bridge, which links Lira to Otuke, has been submerged, while Apak Bridge in Alebtong has also become impassable.
According to Opio Opeo, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Otuke, no vehicles can cross these bridges safely—only bicycles and motorcycles risk the attempt.
“Accessing Otuke has now become long and expensive because some people are forced to use the Lira–Alebtong–Amuria route,” Opeo explained.
Jonan Opio, a resident of Amonmaka Village in Alango Sub-county, Otuke District, said the bridge has been flooded since last month, cutting off the community completely.
He added that crossing the flooded section now costs between sh8,000 and sh10,000 for people and motorcycles, as locals lift them across the water.
“We are calling upon the government to deploy boats to help people cross because there is nothing we can do right now. This is a natural disaster,” Opio appealed.
Opio said the floods also damaged crops in the gardens, including maize, rice, cassava, peas, and potatoes.
He added that there has been poor production during this second season because of the natural disaster.
The Alebtong Resident District Commissioner, Geoffrey Okiswa, said the floods have affected the administration of the Primary Leaving Examinations, which ended on Tuesday.
He added that two primary schools — Ogogong and Adoma — with a total of 133 candidates, had to be relocated to Anara Primary School because the original locations were inaccessible by vehicle.
