PDM: Bududa Residents Ask Gov’t to Improve Roads, Rural Electrification

Bududa residents and local leaders have asked the government to improve the road network and electrification in the district if the Parish Development Model-PDM Program is to thrive. The residents argue that the road network in the district is very poor and thereby affects the transportation of their agricultural produce to the market, yet it is a key component in the progress of the PDM.

The residents expressed their concerns during a meeting convened by their area Woman Member of Parliament and State Minister of Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu at Bukhatelema Primary school in Nalwanza Sub-county Monday. They also noted that several sub-counties in the district lack electricity and piped water, which are important factors of production and the success of the PDM. 

The residents want the government to work on Bunamubi - Bushiyi road that connects to Bushibuya trading center, Kuushu- Nyende road leading to Nyende trading center, Shilayi-Bundesi road leading to Bundesi trading center, Bumayoka Bufuma road leading to Bufuma health center III and Bulatse trading center among others. They also want the government to fulfill its promise of rehabilitating the Bududa Circular road, which is the main link to the Markets in Kenya and Mbale City. 

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Constant Mutayi, the LC III Chairperson of Nalwaza Sub County, said that all roads in his sub-county are in very bad shape, which affects movement from one place to another, especially during the rainy season. He explained that unless rehabilitated, the roads would affect the movement of the products produced under the PDM.

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Geoffrey Koolya, the LC II Chairperson of Bumosi Parish said that the PDM program will only benefit people if the government deliberately improves access to better services like health, better roads, and water among others. He also wants the government to subsidize the prices of fertilizers. 

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Moses Londi, the Nalwanza District Councilor said that the people of Bududa being farmers, the PDM program will boost their income especially if it comes with infrastructures such as good roads and electricity.  

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Bududa District commercial Officer, Fred Musabi said that the main challenge of PDM in the district is lack of electricity and poor road network noting that if this is sorted, the program is likely to take shape.  

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On her part,  Nandutu assured the residents and leaders that PDM is an all-around program that is going to look at infrastructure as well. She said that she has already lobbied for electricity connection to the area through the rural electrification program.