KITGUM-KIDEPO ROAD UPGRADE: UGANDA PARLIAMENT APPROVED SHs450BILLION LOAN

The approval by Parliament for the government to borrow up to Euro 110,543,947.52 from Standard Chartered Bank to finance the Kitgum-Kidepo Road upgrading project marks a significant step towards improving infrastructure in North Eastern Uganda. This 115 km road, connecting Kitgum and Kaabong districts, plays a vital role in facilitating movement, particularly for tourism and trade.

Presenting the motion for approval, Minister of State for Finance Henry Musasizi emphasized the importance of upgrading the road to promote tourism, especially for visitors to the Kidepo Valley National Park. He highlighted the region’s low road density and its impact on regional development, particularly in the poverty-stricken Karamoja sub-region.

Musasizi underscored that the upgraded road would not only enhance connectivity to neighboring countries like South Sudan and Kenya but also improve trade relations. Moreover, it would address the inadequate tourism infrastructure that hampers the full potential of the tourism sector, such as poor road conditions leading to national parks.

However, some legislators expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of scrutiny by the House Committee on National Economy, which had not yet reported on the loan request. Despite concerns raised by MPs like Joel Senyonyi, Jonathan Odur, and Ssemujju Nganda, the motion to waive the requirement for the committee’s report was passed, allowing for the debate on the loan request to proceed.

While proceeding without the committee’s report may raise concerns about transparency and accountability, the approval of the loan underscores the urgency of improving infrastructure in the region. It reflects a commitment to address the challenges hindering economic development and tourism potential in North Eastern Uganda.