From Swamp To Street: Minister Ogwang Opens A Lifeline For Getom & Katakwi Subcounties

 January 19, 2026   |    26 views

By Our Reporter | Ngariam Focus

AFRICA VILAGE,GETOWM SUBCOUNTY-For years, the people of Africa Village and its neighboring settlements lived just a few footsteps apart from opportunity—yet miles away in reality. Between Abela, Aboiboi in Getom Subcounty and Abelebuku, Oale, Aliakamer, Apuuton and Osudan villages in Katakwi Subcounty, movement meant wrestling with a swamp or surrendering to a long, costly detour through Katakwi Town Council. 

What should have been a short walk to markets, health centres and social services became a daily ordeal.

That long chapter of isolation is now being rewritten—grader by grader.

A Petition Heard, A Promise Kept

Hope arrived when the community’s cry landed at the desk of Hon. Peter Ogwang, the Ngariam County MP and Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports). During a recent visit, residents formally petitioned the minister, laying bare the hardship caused by the missing access road.

Reading the petition, Okapel Ignatius, the LC1 Chairperson of Africa Village, painted a picture of a community cut off from healthcare, trade and basic services. It was a plea not just for a road, but for dignity.

Hon. Ogwang listened—and acted.

Heavy Machines, Heavy Impact

Barely weeks later, the sound of engines replaced years of silence. Graders, wheel loaders and road equipment rolled into the area, officially opening the long-awaited access road linking the villages within Aboiboi Parish, Getom subcounty and Aliakamer Parish in Katakwi Subcounty. 

“This minister has rescued us,” said Eilor David, the LC3 Chairperson of Getom Subcounty, who is supervising the works. 

“As a subcounty, we don’t have the budget for such a project. His intervention has lifted a huge burden from our people.”

Beyond a Road: Opening Doors to Development

The road is already being spoken of as more than a transport route—it is a corridor of opportunity.

According to Eilor, the new access will breathe life into the Getom weekly market, drawing traders and buyers from Katakwi Subcounty and even neighbouring Amuria District. He added that improved access is also likely to attract electricity extension and clean water services, long overdue in the area.

Land, Livelihoods and New Beginnings

Residents are already counting the benefits. Mark Ocoman, a local landowner, sees the road as an economic turning point.

 “Land value will go up,” he said. “People will want to build shops here. Even us, we can now plan better for the future.”

Leadership That Delivers

For many in Ngariam County, this project stands as a powerful reminder of leadership that listens—and delivers. Hon. Ogwang’s swift response has transformed a forgotten path into a public asset, stitching together communities that were once divided by mud and distance.

As machines continue to shape the road, optimism is taking root. What was once a swamp of struggle is fast becoming a street of promise—ushering Ngariam County into a new chapter of access, growth and shared progress.