Sh114b OPEC Fund loan to finance Katine-Ochero Road project

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KAMPALA - The Ugandan government and the OPEC Fund for International Development have signed a loan financing agreement worth $30m (about sh114b) for the Katine-Ochero Road upgrading project.

The 69.3km road, which will connect the districts of Soroti and Kaberamaido, entails the construction of a two-lane roadway that includes earthworks, pavement and drainage works.

Finance minister Matia Kasaija and the director general of OPEC Fund for International Development, Dr Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, signed the agreement in Kampala on Wednesday (February 7).

“On behalf of the people of Uganda, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the beneficial and cordial cooperation with the OPEC Fund for International Development,” Kasaija said.

He was flanked by his works and transport counterpart, Gen. Katumba Wamala at the signing ceremony that was held in his office.

The Ugandan government and the OPEC Fund for International Development have signed a loan financing agreement worth $30m (about sh114b) for the Katine-Ochero Road upgrading project. (Courtesy Photo)

Kasaija urged the Ministry of Works and Transport where the loan will be executed to ensure that all the Government obligations are fully met so that the project can be expeditiously implemented.

About the road

The Katine-Ochero Road starts approximately 20km north of Soroti town on the Soroti-Lira Road near Katine trading centre and ends after 69.3 km in Ochero at the junction with the Dokolo/Lira Road.

The road’s current condition is that of a Class C Gravel Road, with an overall length of 69.3km and an altitude ranging between 1030m and 1090m. The road runs along the northern area of Kyoga Lake, crossing, along its path, the lake’s catchment basins.

No major river crossings are present along the road, according to the Uganda National Roads Authority.