By Bondry Kilenga
The residents of Nakapelimoru sub-county in Kotido district are up in arms with the leaders over the deteriorating state of roads, which they say is hurting trade and service delivery in the area.
The area is home to key institutions, including Nakapelimoru army secondary school, the 405 UPDF brigade, a community police station, and a health center III that receives over 1000 outpatient cases.
However poor road network remains a nightmare to the residents in the area with others lambasting their elected leaders and central government over neglect.
The most affected roads are Lokwakiel-Watakau road, Watakau-Namado-Potongor road, and Watakau-Kadocha road which are characterised by potholes.
Boda-boda motorcyclists who spoke to this reporter said that the roads started deteriorating last year due to heavy rains experienced.
They explained that rains washed away some bridges and the murram on several roads thus creating potholes on them, which has made the roads impassable, especially during the rains.
John Losike, a businessman lamented that the poor roads force him to take the longer Moroto road, increasing travel time and fuel costs, which affects his business.
While Charles Ongodia noted that the poor roads have reduced his income due to increased fuel consumption and travel time.
He said that the leaders are now focusing on retaining their seats forgetting the plight they go through owning to deplorable road network.
“These roads are really an eyesore. It’s something better imagine than seeing, for us in Nakapelimoru, government to realise that we also deserve good roads living those living the municipality” said Ongodia.
However, the Kotido district engineer, Paul Bertrand Longole acknowledged the concerns and promises to address the affected roads in the next financial year starting July 2025 citing lack of funds in Kotido district as the reason for the delay.
