First lady convoy stuck in Karamoja

Over 70 vehicles, including a convoy of the first lady and Minister of Karamoja affairs Janet Museveni, were today still stuck at Komoo Valley near Lorengechora trading centre along Moroto-Soroti road in Napak district, 80 kilometres from Moroto town.

The convoy got stuck yesterday at 6.00pm following a heavy downpour that lasted over 3 hours in several areas of Karamoja rendering most roads impassable.

During last 2 months the sub region has been characterized by endless drizzles and incessant rains that have left all roads waterlogged.

Apart from the vehicles getting stuck, the Uganda National Roads Authority crews deployed to tow vehicles along the busy road are also stuck.

However, Janet was slated to preside over the launch of Social Citizens Grant Empowerment in Moroto Municipality- SAGE, a government programme for empowering the elderly economically.

Joseph Mutia a businessman at Irriri trading centre, says the road situation has now worsened adding that the convoy is among the fleet stuck. He adds that vehicles are lined up for over 3 kilometres after floods measuring 2 metres deep cut off the road last evening. He says several sections of the road within a spate of 5 kilometres have been cut off by torrential floods.

Mutia appeals to government to repair the road as soon as possible to avert looming disaster in Karamoja. He also says now the communities can no longer access food stuff supply from Soroti which is 90 kilometres from Irriri trading centre.

Andrew Loucho, Mayor Lorengechora town council in Napak district, says the place is difficult to pass. He wonders why government cannot ferry stones from the nearby hills to fill the potholes that now measure about 2 metres deep. He emphasizes that stones be poured as emergency so that when the rains ease repairs can be carried on.

Anthony Lemukol, Irriri Sub-County chief, asks government to declare Karamoja a no-go area due to the bad roads. He says they cannot access food from outside the sub region as most roads are cut off. He appeals to government to begin airlifting supplies to Karamoja.

George Mwidu, the Acting Station Engineer Moroto, says more heavy tractors have been deployed to ensure that all vehicles are towed away from the scene. He adds that government has procured a contractor to repair the road.