FDC calls for reconstruction of roads in north
Jul 19, 2011
THE Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has advised the government to improve the infrastructure in the northern region to boost trade between Uganda and South Sudan.
By Andrew Ssenyonga
THE Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has advised the government to improve the infrastructure in the northern region to boost trade between Uganda and South Sudan.
Wafula Oguttu, the party spokesperson, made the remarks while addressing journalists during the party’s weekly briefing at their office in Najjanankumbi yesterday.
He argued that once the Government works on the roads and railway line, it would attract many investors from South Sudan.
“We import a lot yet our exports are low because of the poor roads in the north. Many business people find it hard to transport their goods to South Sudan and this deters business and economic growth,†Oguttu said.
He noted that the country’s railway network, originally 1,241km long, is now in poor condition with only about half of the system in operational condition.
“No meaningful growth of the economy can be realised without an efficient and cost-friendly railway system. This is especially true for a landlocked country like Uganda, where most of the exports go by road,†Oguttu explained.
He advised that some of the traffic should be taken off the road as this would relieve roads of the high cargo-bearing traffic, which contribute to increased road maintenance costs.
Oguttu said the opposition strongly advises Ugandans to set up businesses in South Sudan as Kenya had done.
THE Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has advised the government to improve the infrastructure in the northern region to boost trade between Uganda and South Sudan.
Wafula Oguttu, the party spokesperson, made the remarks while addressing journalists during the party’s weekly briefing at their office in Najjanankumbi yesterday.
He argued that once the Government works on the roads and railway line, it would attract many investors from South Sudan.
“We import a lot yet our exports are low because of the poor roads in the north. Many business people find it hard to transport their goods to South Sudan and this deters business and economic growth,†Oguttu said.
He noted that the country’s railway network, originally 1,241km long, is now in poor condition with only about half of the system in operational condition.
“No meaningful growth of the economy can be realised without an efficient and cost-friendly railway system. This is especially true for a landlocked country like Uganda, where most of the exports go by road,†Oguttu explained.
He advised that some of the traffic should be taken off the road as this would relieve roads of the high cargo-bearing traffic, which contribute to increased road maintenance costs.
Oguttu said the opposition strongly advises Ugandans to set up businesses in South Sudan as Kenya had done.