Local leaders in Kabale district and State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives David Kwesiga Bahati are at odds over how to 1 billion shillings allocated for roads was utilized.
One billion shillings had been given to districts, including Kabale, to finance road rehabilitation in the 2023–2024 fiscal year.
Bahati, on the other hand, has come forward to seek an explanation for why funds were issued but no work was done on the ground.
Bahati uses the poorly maintained Nyombe-Rwenkorongo road, which links the subcounties of Butanda and Rubaya-Kahungye, as an example.
District councilors are accused by the state minister of focusing their attention on other unimportant matters rather than pushing for the repair of poorly maintained roads.
Bahati has vowed to call community meetings in the area to force district officials to give the public an explanation of the funding sources and the reasons behind the lack of road rehabilitation.
But in his response, Nshangabasheija accuses Bahati for not considering the challenge of delayed release of the funds.
He says there is no reason for Bahati to go on ground accusing councilors but should always lobby the central government in time.
Boaz Kakuru, Kabale District Planning Officer attributes the delay to start road works to heavy rains that happened early this year.
He however calls for calm saying that all roads in plan shall be worked on.
During the council session last week, Nelson Nshanga-Basheija, Kabale District LC5 Chairman faced criticism from the Speaker, Flavia Nyinakiiza Kanagyizi for telling lies during his state of the district address.
Despite Nshangabasheija stating some of the rehabilitated roads, Kanagyizi opposed him arguing that there is nothing on ground.
