The Parliament of Uganda on Thursday, July 27, 2023, demanded that the Uganda Road Fund oversees the road rehabilitation development grant meant for districts. This followed debate on a report by the committee on physical infrastructure on implementation guidelines to manage the funds.
Government allocated Ugx 1Bn for each district, 10 Cities and 31 Municipalities in a bid to improve the condition of the district-urban and community roads which is aimed at enhancing rural accessibility and working environment in urban areas.
The speaker of Parliament, Anita Among urged respective administrative units to ensure prudent and accountable utilization of the disbursed funds in line with guidelines of the Road Fund.
While presenting the committee report, the Deputy Chairperson, MP Tony Awany said that, the guidelines on utilization of the grant did not offer clarity on the role of district road committees in the implementation process of the fund.
“The committee recommends that if the status quo remains as it is, the role of the district roads committees should be clearly spelt out right from planning, approvals and the entire implementation process,” Awany said.
He urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to be involved in the road rehabilitation and maintenance activities in their respective constituencies, to ensure proper utilization of the grant.
The Bungokho County North MP, John Faith Magolo endorsed the recommendation for the grant to be managed at the district level.
Kwania County MP, Tony Ayoo said that, the district roads committees should guide the utilization of the Ugx 1Bn.
“The Physical Infrastructure Committee should fast-track the amendment of the Road Fund Act to make implementation clear otherwise, the Ministry of Works will always have their say which will bring confusion,” Ayoo said.
The Fund has a duty to finance the implementation of the Annual Road Maintenance Programs (ARMP) that are carried out by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and other designated agencies responsible for District-Urban-Community Access Roads.
