Residents say the impassable Amber Court–Bukungu Road, especially near Kyabazinga’s Budhumbula Palace, has become a symbol of government neglect despite Busoga’s strong political support for the ruling NRM.
Kamuli, Uganda: Residents and leaders in Busoga Sub-region have accused the government of betraying public trust through unfulfilled pledges — particularly the long-promised tarmacking of the Amber Court–Bukungu Road, which they say has become a “perennial lie” recycled every election season.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli District Woman MP, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has repeatedly cited the road’s construction as part of her “unfinished business,” emphasizing its critical role in unlocking Busoga’s economic potential.
Kadaga, who also serves as the 2nd National Vice Chairperson of the NRM, said the 150km economic corridor from Jinja’s Amber Court through Mbulamuti to Bukungu remains central to Busoga’s development agenda.
“For three decades, I have been campaigning and pushing for this road, which will open up an economic corridor. With the upcoming nuclear plant and mineral wealth, what Busoga needs most is connectivity through improved road networks,” Kadaga said.
However, local leaders now express frustration that the pledge has remained just talk, with no tangible progress on the ground.
Michael Kanaku, the Buyende District Chairperson, said the repeated presidential pledges have become a budgeting nightmare for local governments. “We love, vote and support the NRM here, but it seems presidential pledges have moved from promises to lies — bait to keep us in hope, only to be resurrected during campaigns,” Kanaku lamented.
Similarly, Chris Mugweri, an Mbulamuti District Councillor and former NRM cadre who crossed to NUP, accused government officials of orchestrating what he termed “political hoodwink” and corruption disguised as development promises.
“The President once commissioned the Iganga–Kamuli Road and flagged it for tarmacking, but it has not moved an inch. There seems to be an organized corruption network where funds for projects disappear before reaching the ground,” Mugweri said.
Residents say the impassable Amber Court–Bukungu Road, especially near Budhumbula Palace, has become a symbol of government neglect despite Busoga’s strong political support for the ruling NRM.
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