Tororo, Uganda, is seeing its Members of Parliament (MPs) intensify their calls for the government to expedite the expansion of the Jinja-Malaba road. The heavily trafficked road is currently in a perilous state, with its narrowness earning it the label of a "death trap" by legislators.
During a fundraising event, Tororo MPs expressed their worries over the alarming number of fatalities on the road, which they attribute to its inadequate width. Sarah Achieng Opendi, the Tororo Woman MP, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We cannot afford to wait any longer."
In response to these concerns, Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, assured the MPs that the Ministry of Works is actively addressing the issue.
The Jinja-Malaba road serves as a crucial artery for heavy truck traffic, with an estimated 1,200 trucks entering Uganda from Kenya daily. This heavy usage has unfortunately led to chronic congestion, further increasing the risk of accidents.
Beyond the road concerns, Apollo Yeri Ofwono, MP for Tororo Municipality, highlighted other challenges faced by the local population, including inadequate compensation for those affected by the standard gauge railway project and difficulties in cross-border trade.
Archbishop Dr. Emmanuel Obbo of Tororo urged the community to prioritize unity and collaborate in the fight against poverty.
Despite the challenges, the fundraising event offered a glimmer of hope, raising over 50 million shillings towards the completion of St. Karoli Lwanga Catholic Church.