By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
KAMPALA
As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) caucus convenes at Statehouse Entebbe tomorrow, several legislators have opened up about the issues they want the president to address.
Buhweju West MP, Hon Ephraim Biraro, expressed his concern over the state of the road from Bwizibwera Mbarara that connects to Nsika. According to Biraro, officials in the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) are attempting to divert funds meant for the road to other areas. He vowed to speak out during the meeting, even if it means sleeping at the gate to secure a front-row seat.
Hon. Julius Tusiime Karuhanga the MP for Rwampara East pointed to the poor state of roads in their constituencies which has negatively impacted local businesses and the economy. They hope that the government can find solutions to repair and maintain the roads, thus enabling businesses to thrive and boost the local economy.
Another issue mentioned by MPs was the need to increase support for the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) in their constituencies. Many expressed a desire for more funding to be directed towards the Programme for the Parish Development Model(PDM). The increased support for PDM would provide more opportunities for local to start up reasonable businesses or help some add value to their products. This would, in turn, increase household incomes, thus tackling poverty at the grassroots level.
The meeting promises to be a productive one with MPs expressing hope that their concerns will be addressed after spending long time without holding the NRM caucus as the party had set to always meet every month.The MPs have expressed their readiness to work hand in hand with the government in tackling the issues facing their constituencies.
