Members of Parliament from Busoga have applauded the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) for undertaking various road improvement projects that are now benefitting the residents of Busoga region.
The ligislators from the region met with the UNRA leadership team yesterday and discussed the status of road infrastructure in the region.
Led by Henry Maurice Kibalya, MP Bugabula County South, the other MPs included: Namukuta Brenda – Woman MP Kaliro District, John Teira – Bugabula North, Kyobe Inyensiko – Luuka North, Isabirye David Aga – Jinja North Division, Walyomu Muwanika Moses – Kagoma County, Batuwa Timothy Lusala – Jinja West, Paul Akamba – Busiki County, Muzaale Martin – Buzaaya County, Ibrahim Kyoto – Budiope Subcounty, Veronica Babirye – Woman MP Buyende District “When roads exist, our people can engage in economic activity. They can improve their households’ way of life. We need to build more roads that connect Busoga to other regions of the nation,” Kibalya said.
During the discussion, the Members of Parliament shared concers on allegations that the planned works on the Jinja-Mbulamuti Kamuli-Bukungu 127km road had been cancelled. This, they said, was causing unnecessary anxiety in the region. UNRA’s Executive Director, Allen Kagina, affirmed that the Jinja-Mbulamuti-Kamuli-Bukungu road upgrade is still planned. “There is no intention to remove this road nor to cancel it,” she said, adding: “Roads infrastructure is one of the key factors on which Uganda’s economic growth depends. The roads we have built have increased access to; markets for agricultural produce, tourism sites,etc. These sectors have been identified as the linchpin for Uganda’s economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Also shared in the meeting was status of the emergency works for the reconstruction of Saka Swamp Crossing on the Kaliro-Pallisa National Road Network. The Saaka swamp crossing was affected by flash floods that occurred towards the end of 2019. They washed off significant sections of the bridge rendering the access impassable.
UNRA is now fast tracking reconstruction works which will include; Construction of a 4.5km causeway, Construction of series of multiple lines of multicell box culverts, Construction of major bridge at the location of main river channel; and The planned procurement process of the above activities is underway and works are expected to start in November 2021. “UNRA is committed to the equitable development of Uganda through the construction of modern roads & bridges, nationally,” the roads authority says.
