- MPs expressed frustration over the slow pace and substandard quality of roadworks, particularly concerning the construction and upgrading of local government roads.
Image: Courtesy
Gulu City, Uganda – The regional parliamentary sittings in Gulu City kicked off with a fervent debate over the state of infrastructure in Acholi, West Nile, and the Karamoja regions.
On the first day of the sittings, MPs voiced significant concerns about the poor condition of roads, bridges, railways, and aerodromes in these areas.
The discussions followed a recent field visit by the Committee on Infrastructure, led by Chairperson Hon. Dan Kimosho and his Deputy Hon. Tony Owany.
The visit, which took place from August 4th to 10th 2024 aimed to assess the current state of infrastructure in the region. The committee's findings have sparked a robust dialogue among the MPs, who are critical of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) for perceived inefficiencies.
During the debate, MPs expressed frustration over the slow pace and substandard quality of roadworks, particularly concerning the construction and upgrading of local government roads. Their remarks reflected a growing impatience with the inadequate progress and oversight in infrastructure development.
“The state of our roads and bridges is unacceptable,” remarked one MP after the other, highlighting the urgent need for improvements. “We need to see tangible results, not just promises.”
In response to these concerns, the Speaker of Parliament has demanded a comprehensive report from the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Northern Region, and the Prime Minister. The aim is to develop a thorough draft addressing the issues and proposing effective solutions.
The House has again reconvened to present the committee’s report and its recommendations to President Yoweri Museveni.
The session, which started at 9 a.m., focused on urgent measures to address the infrastructure deficiencies identified during the field visit.
The MPs' emphasis on a detailed and actionable plan underscores the pressing need for reform and increased accountability within the infrastructure sector.
The outcome of tomorrow’s session(today) will be closely watched, as it could set the stage for significant changes in how infrastructure projects are managed and executed in the affected regions.
Capital FM’s Edwin Muhumuza reports that the debate has galvanized a collective push for improvement, reflecting the MPs’ commitment to enhancing the region’s infrastructure and overall development.