The government, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, has handed over road equipment to a total of 14 districts that had previously missed the first lot.
The equipment procured from Japan, including a wheel loader and motor grader, was handed over on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, in Kampala.
Nabbanja said that giving out the equipment is part of a wide government strategy to improve the road network across the country.
“I have flagged off road equipment procured from Japan for the 14 newly created districts. The new districts have each received a wheel loader and motor grader, pending procurement of the other equipment that makes a complete road unit. This consignment has been extended to new districts created between 2017 and 2019,” the Prime Minister said.
She further revealed that this is in fulfillment of the directive by President Museveni to re-equip all districts with more robust equipment to further strengthen direct labor (force accounts) in line with the district and urban road management and maintenance framework formulated in 2012.
“The provision of road equipment to new districts underscores the government’s commitment to equitable development and inclusive growth. By extending access to modern machinery and technology to previously undeserved areas, we empower local authorities to effectively maintain and expand their road networks, thereby fostering economic activity, enhancing mobility, and improving access to services for residents. I call upon everyone to ensure that this road equipment is utilized efficiently, transparently, and sustainably,” PM Nabbanja added.
State Minister for Works, Fred Byamukama, said each of the 14 new districts, including Bugweri, Kalaki, Kapelabyong, Kalenga, Kassanda, Kitagwenda, Kazo,Kwania, Kikuube, Madi-Okollo, Nabilatuk, Obongi, Rwampara, and Terego, have received the two machines, pending the procurement of other critical equipment that makes a complete road unit.
“I must caution the new districts that are receiving this brand new equipment; it remains the property of the government and must not be used for private commercial purposes. We expect improved road networks and connectivity in these new districts,” Byamukama warned.
In 2017, at the initiative of H.E. Kaguta Museveni, 121 districts received a complete road unit comprising a motor grader, wheel loader, vibro roller, water bowser, and dump trucks.
