Felix Adupa Ongwech, President of the Transformer Cadres Association and former Kioga County parliamentary candidate, has formally requested the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Amolatar District to disclose the budget allocations and work plans for road construction for the fiscal years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. In his letter, Ongwech emphasized the need for transparency regarding the approved bills of quantities for these projects.
Ongwech’s letter highlights the deteriorating road conditions in various parts of Amolatar District, despite consistent funding from the central government designated for road construction. He questions the circumstances under which the CAO asked the CIID Amolatar to investigate the alleged mismanagement of over 49 million Ugandan Shillings by Engineer Ecir Denis. This money was intended for fuel and machine operator allowances, and Ongwech asserts that its mismanagement has adversely affected several road projects.
In his letter, Ongwech has given the CAO a four-working-day deadline to provide all the requested information. He cites Article 41 of the Ugandan Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to access information. Ongwech has also threatened to organize a demonstration if his demands are not met.
Additionally, Ongwech plans to involve the local communities in monitoring road projects across Amolatar’s 16 sub-counties once he receives the reports. His aim is to verify the accuracy of the reports and evaluate the value for money spent on the ground.
This demand for accountability comes in the wake of the Ugandan President’s renewed commitment to fighting corruption, which has recently led to the imprisonment of several legislators on corruption charges. This story will be closely monitored for further developments.
