Residents and leaders in Ntungamo District have expressed high expectations ahead of President Museveni’s State of the Nation Address, urging him to address infrastructure gaps, corruption, poverty eradication, and ongoing public service challenges as he begins his seventh term under the “kisanja no sleep” agenda.
They are also calling for progress on the National Resistance Movement 10-point programme, disease prevention amid recurring outbreaks, and stronger accountability in the management of public resources.
Ntungamo leaders say the district’s road network remains severely underfunded despite its size and importance to local economic activity.
According to the Chief Administrative Officer, Fildeus Kizza, the district’s road network exceeds 2,000 kilometres but only a small portion can be maintained annually due to limited funding.
“As a district, we have a very big network. Every financial year we are supposed to maintain only 673 kilometres, and with the Shs 1 billion we are allocated annually, we end up working on about 140 kilometres,” Kizza said.
He added that it would take several years to fully rotate maintenance across the entire network under current funding levels.
The district leadership also said the Shs 1 billion annual allocation is insufficient for effective road maintenance.
Ntungamo District Chairperson Samuel Muchunguzi said the district requires far more resources to meet its infrastructure needs.
“Ntungamo being one of the biggest districts, Shs 1 billion is just a drop in the ocean. If you calculate, the district needs about Shs 9 billion,” Muchunguzi said.
Despite the challenges, officials say the district is making progress in wealth creation programmes, particularly under the Parish Development Model, with increased participation from women and youth in income-generating activities.
Ntungamo is also positioning itself as a future economic hub, with emphasis on coffee production, value addition, and industrialisation expected to feature in the President’s address.
Residents are also demanding stronger action on corruption and public accountability, with some calling for broader audits of public institutions.
Local resident and analyst Perez Rumanzi said there is growing public concern over the management of government funds and accountability in public offices.
“We want to understand how money leaves the consolidated fund without services being implemented. We want accountability for public officers handling money,” he said.
Some residents also raised concerns over salary disparities in the public service, arguing that remuneration for lower-level officials remains inadequate despite their responsibilities in service delivery.
The district leadership said adjustments in pay structures should also cover sub-county officials and other local government officers to reduce financial pressure and improve accountability.
President Museveni is expected to highlight progress on governance, infrastructure development, and poverty alleviation when he delivers the State of the Nation Address.
