Voters in Karamoja have listed the poor road network and peace as
key issues that will determine the way they vote.
In districts that include Kotido, Kaabong, Amudat and Napak, the
roads are in an appalling state which has affected development in the region.
The voters argue that the poor road network presents a challenge to security
operations in a region that is still battling cattle thefts and raids.
Bruno Losuk, a resident says that they are looking for suitable
candidates who will advocate for better roads in Karamoja.
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Voters also want the leaders to guarantee total peace. Cattle
thefts have remained a security concern as scores of Turkana warriors and some
Karamojong still invade the area to carry out raids.
Mark Loluk, a resident of Rupa Sub County in Moroto District says
that there is a need for deployment of security personnel to curb cases of cattle
raids.
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Gabriel Longes says that there is also a need to set up industries
in the region instead of ferrying materials to other towns and cities at the
expense of the regional development for Karamoja.
Longes says once industries are set up, more youth can gain
employment and improve their income.
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Molly Napeyok, a resident of Singila in Moroto Municipality says although the government
has drilled many boreholes in the area, women still face a challenge of access
to clean water. She says that there is a need to increase funds allocated to the water
department to enable women have access to clean and safe water.
Stanley Ebele
Freelancer