Politics 10 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Apac Roadworks Halt as MPs' Absence Delays Crucial Committee Formation
Road maintenance in Apac District has stalled due to the inability to form a District Roads Committee (DRC), as Members of Parliament have repeatedly missed scheduled meetings. This delay has left over Shs250 million in road maintenance funds unused, exacerbating the poor state of the district's extensive road network. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/apac-road-works-stall-as-mps-shun-meetings-to-form-roads-committee-5627158
Apac District is facing significant delays in essential road maintenance as the formation of its District Roads Committee (DRC) remains incomplete. The committee, established by the Uganda Road Fund Act, 2008, plays a vital role in prioritizing road needs and providing oversight. However, scheduled meetings aimed at electing a chairperson from the local MPs have been consistently missed, halting progress.
The DRC comprises key district officials, including the Chief Administrative Officer, the district engineer, the district chairman, and local mayors, along with the Resident District Commissioner and area Members of Parliament. Its mandate includes ranking roads for routine maintenance, periodic repairs, rehabilitation, or emergency intervention, offering crucial political and technical guidance.
Currently, Apac District has over 1,000 kilometers of government roads, with more than 600 kilometers reported to be in poor condition. The absence of a functional DRC means that over Shs250 million allocated for road maintenance in the current financial year remains idle in the district’s bank account, despite the urgent need for repairs.
District leaders have expressed frustration, with attempts to convene the committee four times proving unsuccessful due to the non-attendance of MPs. Local councillors are concerned about the impact on residents, especially with the potential return of heavy rainfall, which could further deteriorate the already bad roads.
While some MPs acknowledge the delay, they point to a shared responsibility, citing instances where technical staff were also absent. Nevertheless, assurances have been made to convene the committee promptly, with a commitment to ensure its full constitution and the subsequent rollout of road maintenance activities before mid-October.