West Nile MPs call for spot repairs on Nebbi-Arua road

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Arua Central MP, Jackson Atima Lee Buti, has called on the government to urgently undertake spot repairs on the deteriorated Nebbi-Arua highway.

“Aware that Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has been rationalised, I pray that the Ministry of Works and Transport undertakes immediate spot filling to save motorists, travellers, and communities to avert theft of cargo as the Government looks for a long-term solution,” he said.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, and raising the matter as one of national importance, the NRM lawmaker pinpointed specific sections in Kuluva, Ochoko, Arivu, Bondo, and Olepi as the most severely affected.

Fast forward, he expressed concern over the growing number of accidents and the threat of theft by unscrupulous individuals who ambush vehicles in these black spots, steal goods, and vanish into thin air.

“We also implore the Government, especially the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to support police with new patrol vehicles to patrol those sections,” Atima implored.

“Businessmen have lost a lot of money in compensating goods of customers. California Bus Company has lost a lot of money on compensation. We need action,” he cried out.

Absentee ministers

This is not the first time West Nile lawmakers have raised concerns. According to Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, the same matter had been raised by Geoffrey Feta (Ayivu East, NRM) earlier. However, when he turned for answers from the line ministers, he was greeted by empty seats.

In response, State Minister for Industry David Bahati, who was among the few in the house, explained that some ministers were away on official duties across the country.

“Some ministers are with the President in the Busoga region, but others are also on the way coming,” Bahati explained.

Adding that, “On the issue of the roads, we have already gotten the request by the people of West Nile, especially in the context of the traders, and we are already attending to the matter. I will liaise with the honourable member.”

“Tomorrow during the Prime Minister’s time, let us update members from West Nile. Because now the minister responsible is not here. So it doesn’t help for us to continue rotating on the matter,” Deputy Speaker Tayebwa ruled.

Absenteeism has long been a persistent challenge for presiding officers in the August House. In April 2023, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa voiced his frustration and vowed to take decisive action against ministers who consistently arrived late for plenary sessions.

“Hon. Chief Whip (Dennis Hamson Obua), register my displeasure, which I believe echoes the sentiments of this House, that unacceptable behaviour has returned. Ministers are not taking this House seriously, despite being Members of Parliament themselves. If this trend continues, I will have no choice but to request the Committee on Rules to summon these ministers and remind them of their responsibilities as MPs,” Tayebwa warned at the time.

Despite these stern words, his threats failed to materialise, leaving the issue of absenteeism unresolved.