The ongoing regional parliamentary sitting in Gulu has brought to light serious concerns about the cracked Karuma Bridge and the overall state of infrastructure and land use in Northern Uganda.
On the first day of the session, the Committee on Infrastructure presented a comprehensive report detailing the deteriorating condition of key structures and unutilized land, sparking intense discussions among lawmakers.
Jesca Ababbiku, the Adjumani District Woman MP, demanded that the government clarify why major roads connecting important districts in the West Nile region and Northern Uganda have not been constructed, despite being frequently mentioned in the national budget.
"We tasked the government to explain why these roads remain neglected," she emphasized, voicing the frustration of many in her constituency over the lack of action.
A critical focus of the committee's findings is the alarming condition of the Karuma and Packwach bridges.
The report revealed that both bridges have developed serious cracks and have surpassed their intended lifespan, posing potential risks to commuters and negatively impacting economic activities in the region.
“These cracks have been there, the intended lifespan of the bridge is on the negative. Why do you wait until now to claim to be fixing the bridge?” they reacted.
MP Tinkasimire raised another pressing issue regarding the vast stretches of unutilized land in the northern region.
Drawing comparisons to more developed areas in the west, he suggested that the government should actively support local communities to engage in livestock farming.
"If we were to compare the north to the west, it is clear we have large chunks of underutilized land," Tinkasimire said.
He advocated for government intervention to provide improved livestock breeds that could boost local development and enhance food security.
Shifting focus from infrastructure, the Minister in Charge of Northern Uganda, Kenneth Omona, presented a separate report on the Acholi War Debt claimants.
Omona highlighted the plight of many war debt claimants who have yet to be compensated, despite numerous promises from the government.
"It is concerning that so many people are still waiting to be paid," Omona stated, urging immediate action to address these longstanding grievances.
As the parliamentary sitting continues, these discussions are expected to intensify, with lawmakers from Northern Uganda pushing for tangible actions and accountability from the government to address the region's infrastructural and economic challenges.
The session has underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to repair vital infrastructure and effectively utilize the region's abundant natural resources.
