By Denish Ongora
PARLIAMENT. Uncertainty Clouds Aboke–Ngai–Iceme–Bobi Road as Parliament Demands Government Clarification.
Parliament has raised alarm over uncertainty and delays surrounding the Aboke–Ngai–Iceme–Bobi road project, with legislators demanding urgent clarification from government on whether the project has been dropped.
The concern was raised during the plenary sitting on Thursday, 26th March, when Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, Member of Parliament for Kole, presented a matter of national importance on behalf of colleagues from Oyam North, Kole South, Omoro County and Tochi County.
Acuti told the House that the road project is a critical component of Uganda’s preparations to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next year, as it is expected to link Akii Bua Stadium to Gulu Airfield through the Aboke–Ngai–Iceme–Bobi route.
He revealed that procurement processes had already been initiated and approved by the Ministry of Works and Transport, with clearance from the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Justice.
However, Opio said the project has since stalled at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, with ministry of works official saying it has been dropped due to the changed government priorities.
Acuti likened the situation to “reaching the marriage altar and exchanging vows, only to be told there is no ring,” and called for urgent government intervention to clarify the project’s status.
Supporting the matter, Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku, Member of Parliament for Oyam North, said the President had previously pledged to prioritize the road during his campaign tour in the region.
She noted that local communities had already been mobilized to support the project, including agreeing to compensation arrangements to allow works to begin.
Apio expressed concern that halting the project at this stage would undermine public trust and delay development in the affected districts.
Responding on behalf of government, Denis Hamson Obua said the Aboke–Ngai–Iceme–Bobi road remains part of Uganda’s AFCON infrastructure plan and no decision has been made to drop it.
He, however, acknowledged that delays have occurred at the stage of signing the contract between the contractor, MS SAMCO, and the Ministry of Works.
Providing further clarification, Henry Musasizi, the state minister of finance in charge general duties said the delay is linked to financing arrangements for the project.
He explained that although the Attorney General cleared the contract, it came with a requirement to comply with Article 159 of the Constitution, which mandates parliamentary approval for government borrowing.
Musasizi added that the Ministry of Finance has already written to the President seeking clearance for the borrowing, and is currently awaiting his response before proceeding.
Members of Parliament have now called for expedited action.
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