The Acholi Parliamentary Caucus raised the concerns following a fatal crash on Tuesday night that claimed 15 lives and left 24 others injured.
Addressing journalists at Parliament on Thursday, Caucus Chairperson Catherine Lamwaka urged government to strengthen measures to regulate driver behaviour and speed along the highway to prevent further loss of lives.
The lawmakers also called for increased compensation for families affected by road crashes, saying the current support provided to victims is insufficient.
Lamwaka proposed increasing the compassionate assistance for bereaved families from Shs5 million to at least Shs10 million, while those injured should receive support increased from Shs1 million to Shs5 million.
She also urged government to ensure the funds reach affected families before burials are conducted.
Kilak North MP Gilbert Olanya and other Acholi legislators asked government to provide immediate support to victims’ families, while Amuru Woman MP Lucy Akello highlighted the financial strain caused by medical bills among those injured.
“My brother is in ICU and this is the third day, and you know what it means being in ICU,” Akello said.
The caucus also raised concern over a prolonged drought affecting parts of Acholi, warning that the situation could trigger food insecurity if urgent measures are not taken.
Lamwaka called for emergency food supplies and seeds for affected communities, while Bardege-Layibi MP Martin Ojara Mapenduzi warned that some families risk going without meals.
“A number of families are likely to be without a meal; hence the need to have a meeting with the Prime Minister. We are likely to start reporting loss of lives,” Mapenduzi said.
The lawmakers further urged government to fast-track irrigation projects approved by Parliament, saying improved water access would help communities cope with future droughts.
“The loan we passed to have irrigation, it is high time for government to fast-track this project and have the affected regions benefit from it,” they said.