Local leaders in Katakwi Town Council have urged the Ministry of Local Government to elevate the town to municipal status, citing its rapid development and growing infrastructure needs.
The call was made on Thursday during the commissioning of a 10.3km road project at the town council headquarters in Katakwi District. The event brought together leaders, engineers, and government officials to celebrate ongoing development efforts and to advocate for more support.
Silver Emorwoit, the LC1 Chairperson of Central Ward, emphasized the unity among lower local council leaders in driving development within the town.
“As leaders of various cells in the town council, we are working hand in hand to uplift our community. Katakwi is growing steadily, and we believe it’s time for it to attain municipal status,” Emorwoit said.
Fidel Oluka, the Town Clerk of Katakwi, expressed gratitude to the government for its support but appealed for increased funding to match the growing demands.
“Currently, the town council receives UGX 96 million annually for road maintenance, which is insufficient compared to the work required. We request the government to consider raising our budget,” Oluka said.
He noted that the newly commissioned 10.3km road network will significantly improve access and promote business activities in the area.
Engineer Teddy Okwi, the Acting Principal Engineer for the North East region (Teso and Karamoja), who represented the Ministry of Works and Transport, confirmed the ministry’s readiness to support the road project.
“The ministry is committed to working on these access roads to boost trade and connectivity. We recognize the importance of infrastructure to local economies,” Okwi stated.
Engineer Julius Simon Olupot, the project manager overseeing the construction, said the 10.3km road works will be implemented in two phases, and the ministry will work closely with the community and local leadership to ensure timely and quality completion.
Katakwi Town Council Mayor Sadoki Akutu thanked the government for its continued support but cautioned contractors against delivering substandard work.
“We need quality work that reflects value for money. As leaders, we are accountable to the people,” Akutu said.
Katakwi District Chairperson, Hon. Geoffrey Omolo, applauded Vice President Jessica Alupo for her unwavering support toward the district’s development. He also appealed to the Ministry of Works and Transport to address the deteriorating Olilim–Ongogonja road, which has been submerged by water and poses a serious transport challenge.
Resident District Commissioner Stephen Okure Ilemukorit assured residents of close supervision of government projects in the district.
“My office is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and value for money in all public projects,” Ilemukorit stated.
Vice President Rt. Maj. Jessica Alupo Epel, who also serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi District, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure development under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership.
“Government continues to invest in roads, security, and social programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and Youth Livelihood Program to uplift communities,” Alupo said.
She urged communities to actively participate in monitoring government projects and to reject corruption.
“Funds are released for development, but some individuals misuse them. We must work together to ensure government resources benefit all citizens,” she added.
