By Our Reporter
AMURIA
Authorities in the Eastern District of Amuria have confiscated at least 19 ox-ploughs during this rainy season, as part of an initiative to safeguard local roads from damage caused by farmers placing their equipment on them.
This operation, carried out by district officials alongside security agencies, was prompted by the alarming discovery that 25-30 kilometers of roads have been significantly harmed due to farmers pulling their ox-ploughs in the area.
Moses Opolot Odong, Senior Assistant Engineer and Superintendent of Works for Amuria District, explained that as local communities tend to their gardens, they often plough the marrum roads, leaving marks that, when it rains, allow water to flow in and create gullies and drains along the road surface.
According to Section 63 of Uganda’s Roads Act, 2019, damaging, removing, or obscuring public roads, bridges, or road furniture is a serious offense. Violators face severe penalties, which can include hefty fines or imprisonment.
To prevent further road damage and enforce the Road Act, Opolot stated that the ox-ploughs were impounded, and the owners are now required to perform manual labor: specifically, clearing two kilometers of road, filling in gullies and potholes, and ensuring drainage structures are accessible.
This approach aims to educate the community on the importance of protecting public roads, as the government invests significant resources into road maintenance.
The operation followed several community engagements aimed at raising awareness, which unfortunately went unheeded. As a result, authorities impounded 19 ox-ploughs, currently housed at the Amuria Central Police Station.
“Over the past years, we’ve taken a cautious approach, but currently, we’ve sustained damage spanning approximately 25 to 30 kilometers across various locations within the district due to our incomplete coverage with the operation,” he noted.
To reclaim their ox-ploughs, owners must complete the specified roadwork, which will be inspected by a road overseer. A report from this inspection will be included in a clearance letter from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to the District Police Commander (DPC), with copies sent to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), District Intelligence Security Officer (DISO), Local Council V (LCV), and the local LC1 of the affected road.
“You must present an area LC1 letter along with your National ID. These two items, along with the clearance, will allow you to retrieve your ox,” Opolot advised on April 7th, 2026.
Moses Ibwala, the assistant RDC of Amuria, expressed concern over the trend of people cultivating right up to the roads, leading to further deterioration.
Paul Eseru, the Amuria Resident District Commissioner, noted that some individuals, including children, are using ox-ploughs on the roads for cultivation, exacerbating the issue.
Roads that have suffered damage due to this practice include Acuna-Orungo and Aojakitoi-Morungatuny, primarily from the pooling of ox-ploughs.
“We will seize your ox-plough and yokes if needed. We could even capture cows, but they are too heavy,” Eseru remarked.
The RDC expressed concern over the government’s significant expenditure on repairing and maintaining roads. They emphasized that the district will no longer accept this mindset, as they are moving forward with renewed energy. Amuria district boasts a total of 1,386 kilometers of roads.
