The Minister for ICT and National guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has cautioned district authorities against misappropriating an additional 1 billion UGX allocated for road maintenance.
During a press briefing at the Uganda Media Center, the minister revealed that the government released the funds to maintain murrum roads within districts in the 2023/2024 fiscal year budget. He mentioned that each district will receive an additional 1 billion UGX for road maintenance, aside from the funds already provided through the Road Fund.
He also clarified that the money is different from the one allocated to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA).
“We noted that the government has been providing resources for the maintenance of roads through the road fund. But beginning with this financial year, an addition of 1 billion shillings will be given for every district in Uganda over and above what the fund gives for maintenance of murrum roads.” he explained
He emphasized the importance of these extra funds, saying the allocation aims to ensure that all districts have ample resources for maintaining and improving their roads.
Baryomunsi expressed concern that some district officials have chosen to allocate these funds for new road construction rather than prioritizing existing road maintenance, raising concerns within the government.
Minister Baryomunsi clarified that these funds are specifically meant for routine maintenance of existing murram roads within the districts. He further mentioned that the government suspects that corruption may be motivating some officials to prioritize new construction of roads over maintenance.
“Some district officials have decided to use the money to open new roads. However, the government through the Ministry of works gave guidelines to use the money for road maintenance. I hope that district CAO’s, road committees and officials are listening. The first quarter of 250 m has already been disbursed.” he added
He further clarified that UNRA has the mandate to maintain inter district roads.