Residents and leaders in Namisindwa District have expressed concerns about the poor state of the district’s roads. They argue that this issue is hampering the area’s economic growth. The road users, particularly traders, claim that corruption is the primary reason for the road conditions and that it results in higher transportation costs for their goods.
The locals also report that the inadequate roads make it difficult to access health facilities, causing motorists to spend a significant amount of time navigating impassable roads. A retired civil engineer, Mr. Joseph Nashimolo, pointed out that the roads are impassable due to a lack of timely rehabilitation, leading transporters to increase fares due to the extra time required to reach their destinations.
Namisindwa District comprises a total road network of 979 kilometers, with only 16 kilometers being tarmac, and the rest are community access and unpaved roads. Several sub-counties, including Bumbo, Bukiabi, Bukhaweka, Bubutu, and Bukokho, have particularly poor roads.
Mr. David Mwangala, a teacher, estimates that the district loses over 30 percent of local tax revenue because agricultural products cannot reach markets due to poor roads. Access to markets, health services, and schools is a significant challenge.
Some residents have reported that even in communities where roads have been constructed, a thin layer of murram is applied, which results in a shorter lifespan. They also complain about small trenches and cracked culverts. Local businessman Mr. Moses Mwassa believes that corrupt individuals are diverting funds away from their intended purpose.
This corruption has affected various individuals’ livelihoods, with farmers like Mr. Mwassa experiencing reduced profits due to the poor state of the roads. Truck drivers, such as Mr. Fred Okumu, find themselves investing heavily in repairing and servicing their vehicles because they frequently break down or get stuck in the mud. This forces them to increase transport fares to stay in business.
To address the alleged misuse of road rehabilitation funds, some residents have petitioned the Inspector General of Government (IGG) and the director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), AIGP Tom Magambo. The IGG spokesperson, Ms. Munira Ali, confirmed that they are investigating claims of mismanagement of funds meant for road rehabilitation.
The residents called for an investigation into the misuse of road funds, corruption, and abuse of office by some of the top officials in the district. They assert that funds meant for road rehabilitation have not been used as planned, particularly in the last financial year of 2022-2023 when substantial funds were allocated for road projects.
In response, the Namisindwa District Engineer, Mr. Robert Mukelule Tululukha, denied embezzlement accusations, emphasizing that the funds are being used appropriately. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding the use of funds allocated in the first and second quarters.
While presenting a report on the state of affairs in Namisindwa district, the LCV chairperson, Mr. Jackson Wakweika, expressed his inability to report on funds received during the first and second quarters, as he had not been provided with the information. The council is now requesting an audit of the road funds, particularly those released in the first and second quarters of FY2022/2023.
When contacted, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr. Leonard Kitavuja, declined to comment on the matter.
