Museveni criticized for neglecting Zombo roads, leading to tragic death of district commissioner

The tragic passing of Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Rt. Lt Col Pius Alitema in Zombo has sparked outrage and criticism towards the government’s neglect of road infrastructure in the region.

Alitema’s untimely death has been attributed to the poor state of roads, with his wife, Rose Alitema, pointing fingers at government officials for failing to address the longstanding issue.

During a requiem mass and council sitting held in honor of the late RDC at Zombo Upper Primary School playground, Rose Alitema vocalized her frustrations, squarely blaming the Ugandan government and members of parliament from Zombo and West Nile for their inaction in improving road conditions.

She emphasized that her husband’s life could have been saved if the roads were properly maintained and accessible.

The late Rt. Lt Col Pius Alitema, known for his advocacy regarding road infrastructure, had repeatedly raised concerns about the deplorable state of roads in Zombo.

His sudden demise has reignited calls for urgent action to address the dire condition of road networks in the district.

Despite promises made by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during his visit to Zombo in 2022, pledging to address the road issues, little progress has been seen on the ground. Members of Parliament from Zombo and West Nile have voiced their concerns in parliament, yet tangible solutions remain elusive.

In response to the outcry, Minister of Northern Uganda Grace Freedom Kwiocwiny assured residents that the government is committed to improving the roads, citing recent discussions with the president regarding phased road construction projects.

However, skepticism remains high among locals, who have grown weary of unfulfilled promises and prolonged neglect.

The dire state of the Nebbi-Paidha Zeu-Warr-Vura road, spanning 119 kilometers, continues to be a contentious issue, impacting not only transportation but also economic activities and safety for residents. Despite being a stronghold of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, voters in Zombo are increasingly disillusioned with the lack of essential services and infrastructure development.

Calls for change and accountability are growing louder, with opposition leaders and disillusioned residents urging voters to reconsider their allegiances.

Francis Bolingo, the leader of opposition in Zombo District, highlighted the need for a shift in political support, emphasizing that continued loyalty to the ruling party has yielded little in return for the community.

As the Zombo District mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant, the spotlight remains on the government’s failure to prioritize infrastructure development and address the pressing needs of its citizens.

Unless concrete steps are taken to address road infrastructure challenges, the tragic loss of lives like that of Rt. Lt Col Pius Alitema may sadly continue unabated.