FDC Oboi faults govt on poor roads and high poverty levels in West Nile

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Adjumani | Patrick Oboi Amuriat, president of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, has criticized Uganda’s government for failing to address critical regional challenges.

Oboi cited poor infrastructure, the devastation caused by climate change, and high poverty rates.

Amuriat spoke to a large crowd of FDC supporters and residents in Adjumani town during a thanksgiving prayer for Patrick Tandrupasi, the former FDC flag bearer for the Adjumani West Constituency Parliamentary seat, and expressed concern about West Nile’s poor roads and worsening poverty.

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Impact of climate change

Amuriat accused the NRM government of ignoring the effects of climate change, which he claimed had harmed infrastructure and agricultural productivity in West Nile.

“The phenomenon of climate change is not new. It is something that has persisted for years. A government that cares about its people would have taken steps to mitigate its effects,” Amuriat said.

He highlighted the flooding of the Nile River, which has led to impassable roads and destroyed crops, such as cassava and sweet potatoes, threatening food security in the region.

“The flooding has catastrophic effects. Cassava and sweet potatoes in the fields are going to rot, causing food insecurity in the West Nile,” he added.

Amuriat described the West Nile region as having once contributed significantly to Uganda’s economy through crop exports but is now plagued by poverty and underdevelopment.

“According to UNICEF statistics as recent as September 17, 2024, West Nile is the second poorest region in Uganda, with 76% of the population living in poverty. This reflects the government’s reluctance and systematic neglect of the region,” he remarked.

He also noted the broader impact of the region’s struggles on the entire country.

“When West Nile bleeds, the whole country is affected. This region contributes significantly to Uganda’s economic success.”

Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, a former Obongi County Member of Parliament, lamented the poor state of roads in the Madi sub-region, claiming that it prevented farmers from accessing markets and children from attending school.

“Most of the roads are cut off, and government programs have not helped the people of Madi to eradicate poverty. Take your time and talk to the beneficiaries of these programs; the evidence speaks for itself,” Fungaroo stated.

Fr. Andrew Inyaga, who led the thanksgiving prayer, emphasized the three critical challenges facing the region—poverty, ignorance, and disease.

He urged the government to intervene and the community to work together for development.

“We need unity, especially during and after elections, to bring about meaningful progress in the region,” Fr. Inyaga said.

The event’s host, Tandrupasi, clarified that the purpose of the thanksgiving prayer was not political but rather a moment to foster unity and express gratitude to God and the community.

“This is a moment to appreciate everyone who supported me during the previous elections. Let us work together to achieve unity and development,” Tandrupasi said in his speech.

The FDC president’s visit and remarks have reignited debate on the socio-economic challenges facing West Nile.

As residents continue to grapple with poverty, poor roads, and climate change effects, calls for government intervention and long-term solutions grow louder.