Presidential hopeful Dan Matsiko Malcolm has challenged the Ugandan government over its continued renovation of Karuma Bridge, arguing that it has severely disrupted service delivery in Northern Uganda.
He accused the government of misusing taxpayers’ money under the pretext of endless bridge repairs, instead of investing in sustainable infrastructure solutions.
His remarks follow an announcement by Minister of Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, confirming that Karuma Bridge will be closed to all traffic from March 10 to March 31, 2025, for the installation of expansion joints.
This will be the second closure in less than a year, after the bridge was previously shut down on September 23, 2024, for urgent repairs that cost the government UGX 11 billion. It was only temporarily reopened on December 20, 2024, for light vehicles during the festive season.
Matsiko criticized the NRM government for failing to plan for alternative routes, questioning why the construction of Karuma Power Dam did not include another bridge just 2,000 meters from the existing Karuma Bridge.
He emphasized that this critical infrastructure was overlooked, which continues to hamper service delivery in Northern Uganda and West Nile.
Matsiko reiterated the urgent need for a second bridge, as well as a railway bridge within the national park to enhance connectivity and economic development. He proposed a new project spanning 108 km from Pakwach Bridge to Karuma, which would connect Nwoya District to the Bunyoro sub-region.
According to Matsiko, this development would significantly improve transportation, trade, tourism, and overall economic growth in the region.
He condemned monocracy and the commercialization of politics, replacing democracy with monocracy, where political support is bought rather than earned. He described this as a mockery of democracy and good governance, emphasizing that Uganda needs transparent, accountable, and people-centered leadership.
Matsiko noted, “The era of handouts must come to an end. Ugandans deserve decent, sustainable jobs, not small handouts of groceries and peanuts. Museveni claims that UGX 1 million can lift a family out of poverty, but let him tell us, how much does he spend daily on his own lavish lifestyle? Not even his drivers or household staff can survive on UGX 1 million a month. After 40 years in power, the NRM is still boasting about wealth creation through handouts. Ugandans must wake up, take the handouts, but deny the NRM another mandate in 2026.”
Matsiko also called out state-sponsored nepotism and favoritism, pointing out that while Museveni insists the government has no jobs, his entire family and inner circle are employed in top public offices, often without qualifications.
Matsiko said, “Museveni suddenly remembers to visit piggery and poultry farms of his party functionaries just months before an election. He is busy distributing handouts and bribing unsuspecting voters, but where has he been for the last four years? He claims the government has no jobs, yet his entire clan is employed in public offices. His wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and close relatives all hold government positions. Does he think we are blind to his favoritism?”
In a related development, Matsiko accused President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and President William Ruto of Kenya of secretly fueling the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He alleged that their ultimate goal is to loot mineral resources in Eastern Congo, using the M23 rebels as proxies.
He further condemned the NRM government for diverting Ugandan taxpayers’ money into funding unnecessary wars, instead of investing in national development projects that benefit Ugandans.
“The coalition of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya has increased insecurity in Eastern Congo. Thousands of innocent Congolese have been displaced as refugees, while many others have been killed or injured. Ugandan taxpayers’ money is being used to finance expensive wars instead of developing our own country. We must reject this reckless leadership and demand accountability.”
Matsiko urged Ugandans to reject corruption, handout politics, and poor governance in the 2026 elections, calling for a new era of leadership focused on economic transformation, job creation, and national sovereignty.
“We cannot afford another five years of deception and economic stagnation. It is time for leadership that values Ugandans and works to uplift all citizens, not just a privileged few,” Matsiko said.
