July 3, 2025 (Kaabong District, Uganda): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), through its specialised institution, the IGAD Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development (ICPALD), officially launched the clearance of the Usake–NewKuch road in Morungole Subcounty, Kaabong District.

Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), under the Sustainable Ecosystem Management (SEM) Project the initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities across the Uganda–South Sudan border. It is expected to boost mobility, food security, and cross-border trade, enhance security, while improving access to pasture, water, and humanitarian services.

The 62-kilometre road, which links Usake in Uganda to NewKuch in South Sudan, traverses mountainous terrain that has long hindered access and development in the cross-border areas. Its clearance is seen as a major step in supporting transboundary peacebuilding initiatives and livelihood recovery. The project is being executed under a Force Account arrangement by the Kaabong District Local Government reducing on cost, promoting sustainability and community ownership.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Wamalwa Kinyanjui, Animal Health Expert at ICPALD and leader of the IGAD mission, highlighted the significance of the project for local communities. “This road is more than just infrastructure. It is a lifeline for communities who depend on access to water, pasture, markets, and essential services. Through this project, IGAD is working hand-in-hand with local governments to build resilience, ensure sustainability, and create opportunities especially for women, youth, and vulnerable groups,” said Dr. Kinyanjui.

The launch event was attended by a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the IGAD monitoring team, the project consultant, technical officers from Kaabong District led by the District Engineer, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Morungole Subcounty chiefs, LC1 chairpersons, development officers, and local community members.

“We are encouraged by the strong local ownership and enthusiasm we’ve seen here in Kaabong. Our role is to ensure that implementation is technically robust, aligned with the objectives of ICPALD and the needs of the community, particularly in facilitating trade and communication between Kaabong and Kapoeta East County, while contributing to long-term sustainability,” said Matovu John Richard the Engineering Consultant.

Kaabong RDC, Stephen Odong Ludek praised the project’s community-driven approach, stating, “This project is timely and relevant. It is addressing infrastructure gaps, boosting trade and food security, and bringing our people closer to peace and prosperity. We thank IGAD and SIDA for their commitment to our region.”

The SEM Project was launched in December 2022 as a partnership between IGAD and SIDA. It is being implemented in selected cross-border ecosystems, including the Kaabong–Kapoeta corridor, where it supports ecosystem governance, pastoral mobility, and sustainable economic development in fragile environments.

As construction begins, the communities of Kaabong and Kapoeta look forward to tangible improvements in their day-to-day lives through better access, stronger local economies, and enhanced resilience in the face of climate and security challenges.

Click here to read more on SEM project.