The General Secretary of the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED), Asuman Odaka, has asked the government to work on disaster management policies involving climate change, which he says leads to floods that are destructing roads.
Speaking at party headquarters in Rubaga, Asuman highlighted pressing concerns about the government’s response to nature-induced calamities affecting several regions.
He underscored the profound impact of heavy rains, particularly in districts like Obongi, Adjumani, Madi, Ntoroko, Bukedi, Toro, Busorwe,Butaleja, and Bugwere.
“Heavy rains have caused severe road network disruptions and school closures, forcing students to relocate for exams. These floods are due to persistent unfulfilled promises and ineffective measures by the administration and the government’s deforestation initiatives that have stripped the once-forested areas of natural protection, leaving them vulnerable to catastrophic disasters, “Odaka said.
He highlighted the interplay between politics, governance, and environmental issues, exemplified by contrasting instances like the Prime Minister’s public appearances seen dancing at a certain function while leaving them vulnerable to catastrophic disasters.
“This negligence, coupled with alleged governmental misconduct,corruption, and intimidation tactics, raises concerns about the country’s future, he stressed.
He called upon the government to acknowledge its limitations and either step down or begin organizing a new competent team of leaders in those offices.
He asked Parliament to question the Ministry of Works about road fund allocations.
“We want Parliament to hold officials accountable and summon the Executive Director of UNRA, together with the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Wamala, to address questions about road fund allocations, he said.
NEED has stressed the need for stringent supervision in the execution of road projects and systemic changes that require urgent attention, accountability, and a renewed focus on responsible governance and environmental policies to ensure the nation’s stability and progress.
According to reports from the Uganda National Meteorological Authority, the rainy season in Kampala has caused significant damage to the city’s roads, leading to potholes.
