River Agago has burst its banks following heavy rains, causing flooding that has displaced hundreds of people, destroyed properties, and crippled transport and trade across several parts of Agago and Pader districts.
In Agago District, River Agago burst its banks last week around Patongo Town Council, submerging roads and washing away homes and crop fields. The flooding has displaced families whose grass-thatched houses were destroyed, while the vital Patongo-Lukole-Kalongo road remains impassable.
Ms Susan Akot Moro, the Agago deputy resident district commissioner, said the floods would only subside after the persistent downpours ease. ‘The river burst its banks and blocked roads, forcing people to wade through the waters. It has disrupted transport, business, health, and education services in the area,’ she said.
The Agago Bridge, which connects Patongo and Adilang sub-counties, has also been submerged. By Tuesday afternoon, major routes linking Adilang, Lukole, Patongo, and Kalongo remained cut off. According to Ms Moro, several culverts on feeder roads have been washed away, isolating communities in Adilang, Parabongo, Kalongo, Lukole, Ajali, and Lira Kato sub-counties.
Mr Mohamed Okwir, the chairperson of Adilang Sub-county, said an assessment was underway to determine the extent of the damage, noting that hundreds of acres of crops were underwater. ‘We are assessing all four parishes-Labwa, Nam, Lapyem, and Lukoga-to establish the full damage. Many houses have been washed away, livestock have died, and properties have been destroyed,’ he said.
Maize and sunflower, key crops in the area, are the most affected. Mr Okwir said the Adilang-Abim road had also been cut off at Amita Bridge, with Lapyem Parish being the most devastated. ‘Many houses were washed away in Namodiyo, Namabili, Labwa, Omugo, and Lela-Kagere villages. Vehicles cannot pass these feeder roads anymore,’ he said.
In neighbouring sub-counties such as Lira Kato, Lira Palwo, Lamiyo, Parabongo, and Lukole, residents have resorted to digging trenches around their homes to redirect water away from their compounds. In Pacer Village, Parabongo Sub-county, more than 100 houses were destroyed last week. Mr Maurencio Okot, a resident, attributed the recurring floods to the flat terrain of the area. ‘We have lost livestock, cassava, maize, beans, and simsim. The floods have persisted for weeks, and we expect more disasters this November before the dry season begins,’ he said.
Political activities have not been spared either. When National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, ended his campaigns in East Acholi last Saturday, he expressed frustration after spending nearly five hours stuck in the mud near Lira-Kato Sub-county while returning to Kampala. By Monday afternoon, the Pajule-Acholibur road, linking Kitgum Town to Lira City, was impassable, with several vehicles, including trucks, stuck for three days near Pajule Ginnery in Pader District.
Mr Tonny Olanya Olenge, an independent candidate for Aruu North County, warned that the situation could disrupt election campaigns. ‘Most village and parish roads in Pajule and Acholibur are impassable. Businesses are struggling because the Kitgum-Lira road is in its worst state. Things will worsen as campaigns begin,’ he said.
In Pajule Sub-county, the worst-hit areas include Ociga West, Pongdwongo East, Ociga East, Lupara, Bungalela West, and parts of Oryang and Otok parishes.
Mr Philip Adonga Obalim, the district secretary for education in Pader, said many teachers at Kibong Primary School in Paiula Sub-county were displaced after floods submerged their homes and classrooms.
‘The situation is worsening. Without urgent intervention, restoring learning will be difficult in the coming weeks because the rains show no sign of stopping,’ he warned. Transport costs have also soared. Mr Robert Ocira, the secretary of Pader Traders Association, said transport fares between Pader and Lira had risen from Shs20,000 to Shs30,000.
‘The flooded roads have caused fuel consumption to increase, and vehicles are frequently stuck. Traders and travellers now spend nights on the road when vehicles break down,’ he said. According to Mr Ocira, many traders have lost goods to accidents. ‘Some vehicles overturn, others sleep on the road, and goods spoil. We don’t know when the rains will stop,’ he added.