Fred Byamukama, the Minister of Works and Transport this afternoon addressed concerns regarding the state of the Nebi — Goli — Paidha — Zombo — Warr — Vurra road, a crucial 119km stretch connecting districts in the West Nile sub-region to the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Despite the road’s vital role in agriculture, trade, and security, it remains unpaved, prompting several MPs to voice their concerns and push for its upgrading.
Minister Byamukama presented a detailed update on the road’s status, acknowledging its importance as an international route for accessing Uganda’s borders with the DRC.
He noted that while the feasibility study and detailed design for upgrading the road to a bituminous standard were completed in 2017, limited resources have stalled the commencement of the upgrading works.
The minister however, revealed efforts to secure financing, with parts of the road submitted for funding consideration to the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the African Development Bank, with potential commencement in the fiscal year 2024/25 depending on the approval of funds.
During the Parliamentary Plenary session, MPs from the region expressed their frustration over the delayed upgrading of the road.
Hon Lawrence Songa of Ora County, emphasized the economic potential of the area as a food basket, noting; “We have an opportunity to raise a lot of money as the government from this area which we consider a food basket for the West Nile. There are a lot of fruits and bananas coming from there.”
Gabriel Okumu, the MP for Okoro County said, “The bananas we get from Zombo district in West Nile are bigger than what is coming from Ankole and from here. We would like the road to be made so that we also supply matooke here in Kampala.”
Lilian Paparu Obiale, the District Woman MP for Arua, raised concerns about the safety hazards and economic losses incurred due to the road’s poor condition, especially during the rainy season when perishables rot and people get stuck for days.
Minister Byamukama however, assured that UNRA will ensure that the road is maintained in a motorable state to ensure continued connectivity in the region. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [whatsapp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).