Gulu city 'road gangs' receive fresh gear for cleaner streets

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Gulu City Council has invested sh25 million in procuring essential equipment and personal protective gear for its road maintenance teams.

On August 19, 2025, the council officially distributed a variety of tools and safety equipment to enhance the efficiency and safety of the personnel locally known as road gangs.

The inventory included 80 wheelbarrows, 60 spades, 25 pickaxes, 35 fork hoes and two heavy-duty hammers, all intended to facilitate effective road sweeping, drainage maintenance and street cleaning.

The 80 wheelbarrows were part of the 60 spades, 25 pickaxes, 35 fork hoes and two heavy-duty hammers, all intended to facilitate effective road sweeping, drainage maintenance and street cleaning. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)

In addition, personal protective equipment was provided, comprising 10 rolls of warning tape, 136 pairs of overalls, 136 pairs of gumboots, 136 pairs of gloves, and 10 road cones.

These resources are designed to protect workers from adverse weather conditions, hazardous materials, and vehicle accidents.

The procurement was funded by the road fund and locally raised revenue allocated for the 2025–2026 financial year.

Christo Omara Balmoyi, the city engineer, said the initiative reflects the council’s commitment to employee safety and operational support.

He highlighted the increasing traffic flow in Gulu city, which necessitated the acquisition of reflector cones and warning tape to secure work zones and reduce risks to personnel during operations.

Omara urged residents and road users to appreciate the contributions of the road gangs and to report their efforts, stressing their vital role in maintaining Gulu city’s status as one of the cleanest in Uganda.

The city currently employs 124 road gangs, though seven have recently resigned, leaving 117 active teams to manage the city’s cleanliness.

Florence Arec, a road gang member on Awich Road, raised concerns about challenges caused by local shop owners who fail to manage waste properly, calling for improved disposal practices.

Santa Alum, responsible for cleaning Onekalit Street, said unauthorised vehicle repairs on the road obstruct cleaning work and further complicate their duties.

Both Arec and Alum also pointed out the gap between the number of active road gangs and the volume of work assigned to them.

Alfred Okwonga, the mayor of Gulu city, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to employee welfare and safety, directing the health department to assess the workload of road gangs and explore strategies for the recruitment of additional personnel to meet the growing demands.