KARAMOJA NEWS Truth All Day
Related Articles
By Cindirella Atenyo-Moroto
After years of anticipation, Moroto Municipality stands at a pivotal moment as it prepares for elevation to city status—a long-cherished aspiration for the people of Karamoja. Announced in 2024 with an intended operational date of July 1, 2025, the transition has faced national-level delays and scrutiny, with parliamentary reports highlighting that many of Uganda’s newer cities were created prematurely without meeting minimum standards.
While the upgrade promises enhanced administrative autonomy, increased central government transfers, improved infrastructure funding, and greater economic opportunities, experts and local leaders warn that without deliberate, forward-thinking urban planning, Moroto risks repeating the mistakes seen elsewhere: unplanned sprawl, inadequate service delivery, strained resources, and missed development potential.
On Thursday Morning, key stakeholders within Moroto Municipality participated in the monitoring of the ongoing construction of a box culvert and and reshaping at Nachap Road in Kakolye close 9, that connects to the abattoir and all the four villages on the other end within the Municipality. It is through this monitoring that questions of proper physical planning of the municipal developments arose.
While the construction of the box culvert will extend relief to residents in the area, what seems not satisfying is its alignment which local leaders urge is not proper due to its proximity to settlements. Deputy Resident District commissioner, Justin Tuko expressed dissatisfaction on how the bridge is being constructed without any guidance by the physical planner.
“Sincerely speaking, this bridge is good but look at the house next to it…as if it leads to the house. Where was the physical planner in all these? Tuko asked. He urged the municipality engineer and other stakeholders to ensure that future housing developments have to be in harmony with urban development plans before being erected.
Tuko Further questioned the municipal Council Engineer to explain about the over UGX480million that is being used compared to other bridges, and the new building at the construction site. He urged the physical planner to sensitize developers on how to seek for approval before any construction is done along the road sides.
Emmanuel Odongo, the Municipal Council Engineer confirmed that the progress at the bridge construction now stands at 60% with plans to complete it by March while emphasizing need for cooperation with stakeholders. Explaining about the cost of the bridge, the positioning and its size, Odongo said that there are some technicalities that may not be understood by everyone although they have all them in drawings, that may need more time to break down to simple terms.
Meanwhile, Moroto Deputy Mayor, Mary Nachap called upon the office of the physical planner to go on radio and sensitize the community and developers about the process of putting up buildings with approval from the Municipal authority. She said many people just start construction without the knowledge of the planner and it is the reason most houses stand within road reserves.
However, Longolio John, the Deputy Town clerk commended the timely work and progress at the bridge while promising the people of Moroto Municipality better service delivery. The Resident District commissioner Moroto (RDC) Mr. Benon Kwikiriza who as well appreciated the quality of the workmanship and the internal structure of the bridge directed the technical team to have all the working committees sit to resolve issues regarding the alignment and some technicalities questions raised.
Moroto Municipal Council received UGX1 billion Road Maintenance Grant from the government of Uganda for the rehabilitation and maintenance of roads in the Municipality in this financial year 2025/2026. The Municipal Council prioritized the construction of a Box Culvert at Nachap Road to provide connectivity within Kokoliye cell and the neighboring villages after completing Odele Bridge last year.
The project is being implemented under the force on account mechanism in which the the municipality provides the technical labour force and supervision. the construction works at the Bridge on Nachap road started in January 20th ,2026 and is projected to end in April, 2026
