Abim MP Survives Near-Drowning as Floods Cut Off Access to His Constituency

The Member of Parliament for Labwor County in Abim District, Jimbricky Noman Ochero, narrowly avoided drowning after attempting to cross a flooded section of road leading to his constituency.

Footage circulating on social media shows the MP struggling through strong floodwaters, clutching a stick for support while assisted by a young man. The video has sparked public outrage, highlighting the deteriorating condition of roads in Abim during the ongoing rainy season.

Residents say the incident underscores years of government neglect. Wilson Ochen, a resident of Alerek Sub-county, criticised local leaders for failing to raise the issue in Parliament.
“Our leaders have ignored this for too long. Now that one of them has nearly drowned, they should finally understand the hardships we face every day,” he said.

Heavy rainfall in recent months has rendered many roads in the district impassable, with several sections described as “death traps” for motorists and pedestrians. The Alito Bridge area has been particularly dangerous, with past reports of people drowning while trying to cross.

During a campaign rally in Abim on 24 October 2025, President Yoweri Museveni criticised the Ministry of Works and Transport for neglecting road infrastructure in the region. He said road tarmacking would soon begin in phases starting from Lira, Pader and Soroti, and called for better drainage systems to prevent flooding.

The MP’s ordeal has reignited debate over infrastructure neglect in the Karamoja sub-region. Residents are urging government agencies to act swiftly to rehabilitate key roads before the rains worsen and more lives are put at risk.