Lango Leaders Petition PM Nabbanja Over Critical Service Gaps

A delegation of Lango leaders has formally presented a petition to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, urging the government to address critical service delivery gaps plaguing the sub-region. The leaders expressed deep concern over the persistent lack of essential services, including inadequate healthcare facilities, limited access to electricity, and stalled infrastructure projects.

During a thanksgiving ceremony in Lira District, Lira Woman MP Linda Agnes Auma highlighted the absence of a government health center in Erute South County, despite existing policy mandates. She noted that the community has provided land and awaits government intervention to establish the facility. Similarly, the area lacks a government secondary school, with land already secured for its development.

Concerns were also raised regarding the extension of electricity to communities near Lira City that remain unconnected to the national grid. Leaders emphasized the need for the Ministry of Energy to prioritize these areas.

The status of the Lira-based Akii-Bua Stadium, currently under construction, emerged as another significant point of discussion. Leaders voiced apprehension over reports suggesting the stadium might only serve as a training venue during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), contrary to public expectations that it would host actual matches. This, coupled with delays in upgrading access roads, cast doubt on the stadium’s readiness and its potential benefits to the region.

Further adding to the list of grievances, Oyam South MP Patrick Ogwang Obura called for increased funding for livestock restocking programs, citing current allocations as insufficient.

Prime Minister Nabbanja acknowledged the concerns, assuring the leaders that she would follow up on the issues raised on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni. She specifically mentioned roads, livestock restocking, drought, Lira Airfield expansion, and AFCON preparations. Nabbanja also disclosed the cancellation of a contract for a parish facility due to non-performance and outlined plans for the UPDF Engineering Brigade to take over the construction.

The petition underscores a broad range of development needs in Lango, from basic social services to major infrastructure projects and international sporting events. The leaders are hopeful that their concerns will lead to tangible government action and improved living conditions for the residents.

This report is based on information from Nile Post.