The National Unity Platform (NUP) West Nile wing has issued a stern ultimatum to the ruling government, threatening mass demonstrations if urgent action is not taken to address the region's pressing needs. Highlighting critical issues like poor road networks and delays in connecting to the national grid, the NUP has set a two-week deadline for the government to respond.
Asega Habib Jogo, the Northern Region Coordinator and Regional General Secretary of NUP, voiced these concerns during a compelling press conference held on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, at the party's regional offices in Arua City. He specifically called out the government's deliberate withholding of National Grid power from the West Nile region, among other crucial infrastructure deficiencies.
One of the pivotal grievances emphasized by Asega was the government's alleged neglect in providing West Nile with standard road networks, a fundamental facility present in other parts of the country. He highlighted the recent reports of irregularities within the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) and the Evaluation Committee at the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) in the procurement process for upgrading the Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo road to bitumen standard.
Asega squarely placed blame on West Nile legislators aligned with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), accusing them of apathy towards the region's challenges despite their influential positions. However, Charles Ayume, the MP of Koboko Municipality, countered these allegations, downplaying the accusations leveled against the West Nile legislators, stating that they are actively engaged in addressing the power shortage issue.
Supporting the NUP's stance, Bayo Christopher, a local politician, condemned the prolonged delay in providing the region with National Grid power, emphasizing its pivotal role in catalyzing development in the area.
The impending ultimatum issued by the NUP West Nile wing hangs over the government as a stark warning, signaling potential mass demonstrations should the critical concerns of the region continue to be ignored. The situation intensifies as key stakeholders express discontent over the prolonged neglect of West Nile's essential needs.
By Benzamin Matata Dailywestnile.info
