In a strategic move to bolster its infrastructure network, the Ugandan government has provided a significant boost to 14 newly created districts, equipping each with a comprehensive set of road maintenance machinery. This landmark initiative, worth a staggering Shs 59 billion, marks a significant step forward in the nation’s quest for inclusive development and improved connectivity.
The beneficiary districts, which include Bugweri, Kalaki, Kapelabyong, Kalenga, Kassanda, Kitagwenda, Kazo, Kwania, Kikuube, Madi-Okollo, Nabilatuk, Obongi, Rwampara, and Terego, have each received a comprehensive road unit comprising a motor grader and a wheel loader. This equipment, essential for maintaining and expanding the districts’ road networks, is poised to transform the landscape of these previously underserved regions.
During the ceremonial flag-off event, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja underscored the significance of this initiative, stating that the government’s decision to procure new road units for the newly created districts was a direct response to the challenges faced by these regions in accessing necessary equipment. “The provision of new road equipment to the new districts is therefore a welcome gesture by the government, which will improve both inter- and intra-city connectivity within the districts,” Nabbanja emphasized.
The Prime Minister’s remarks highlight the government’s commitment to equitable development and inclusive growth. By extending access to modern machinery and technology to these previously underserved areas, the government aims to empower local authorities to effectively maintain and expand their road networks. This, in turn, is expected to foster economic activity, enhance the mobility of farmers with their goods from the farms to the markets, and improve access to essential services for the residents of these districts.
The strategic shift in the government’s approach to road maintenance, from a contracted model to a force account system, has been a crucial factor in this initiative. As explained by the Prime Minister, in June 2012, the government made a policy change to move from contracting road maintenance works in local governments to a direct labor (force account) approach. This decision, combined with President Museveni’s 2014 directive to re-equip all districts with more robust equipment, has paved the way for the current rollout of road units.
The Honorable Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, acknowledged the constraints faced by the government, stating that while previously all districts received a complete set of road units, the 14 newly created districts have only received a motor grader and a wheel loader due to financial limitations. However, the minister assured that the government is committed to completing the full set of equipment for these districts as soon as additional funding becomes available.
To ensure the proper utilization and maintenance of the equipment, the government has implemented several measures. The Ministry of Works and Transport has created a dashboard to monitor the usage of the equipment, and any instances of misuse will be met with strict consequences. Additionally, each Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ministry, agreeing to adhere to the guidelines for the use and care of the equipment.
The chairperson of the physical infrastructure committee of parliament, Dan Kimosho, expressed gratitude for the government’s unwavering focus on infrastructure development over the past decade. Kimosho acknowledged the president’s prioritization of infrastructure as one of the top three sectors in the country, a commitment that has yielded tangible results, including the long-awaited delivery of the road equipment to the new districts.
As the government continues to invest in its infrastructure backbone, the impact of this initiative is poised to ripple across Uganda’s social and economic landscape. The strategic allocation of resources to the newly created districts underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth and the equitable distribution of development opportunities, a testament to its vision for a more prosperous and connected Uganda.