Minister Byamukama Warns West Nile Officials Against Misusing Shs1 Billion Road Funds

Minister of Works and Transport, Mr. Fred Byamukama, has declared a zero-tolerance policy for corruption regarding Shs1 billion released for road improvements in the West Nile region. During an inspection of road projects in Yumbe District, the minister explicitly warned that district officials and engineers found to have misappropriated the funds intended for community access roads would face arrest and prosecution.

“The money was meant for roads and must be used for the purpose for which it was allocated. The officials will vomit the money if they have eaten it,” Minister Byamukama stated, emphasizing his intention to personally follow up on the project’s progress in the coming month.

The allocated funds are designated to enhance the condition of roads, thereby facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce, and essential services, particularly in rural areas. This warning follows public outcry over the poor state of several roads in the sub-region, despite the disbursement of funds for their maintenance.

In a related incident during his tour, the minister ordered the immediate arrest of two Arua City officials, city engineer Charles Omona and procurement officer Jimmy Omale. They were apprehended for failing to provide a satisfactory explanation for the stalled Woko Bridge project in Nyio village, which has been in limbo for three years despite Shs266 million reportedly being spent.

While some district leaders, like Koboko District chairperson Ashraf Mambo, defended their district’s expenditure by highlighting equipment maintenance costs, Terego District chairperson Wilfred Saka acknowledged that Shs47 million allocated for consumables had inexplicably disappeared without the items being supplied. He stressed that accountability for public resources is paramount.

Minister Byamukama affirmed the government’s commitment to rigorous project monitoring to ensure that public funds lead to tangible improvements on the ground.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)