In Kapchorwa, Nandala pledges infrastructure overhaul to unlock tourism potential

KAPCHORWA - On his second day of campaigns in eastern Uganda’s Sebei region, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag bearer, James Nathan Nandala Mafabi, heard widespread complaints from residents about the poor road network in Kapchorwa district.

Voters said the bad roads continue to block access to key tourism sites and limit the region’s economic potential.

Mafabi addressed supporters at rallies held on Tuesday, October 14, at Kamu Market and Bugimotwa Primary School playground in Chemuron village, Kabeywa subcounty.

Among the residents who spoke was 21-year-old Alexander Namasoko, who lamented that Kapchorwa’s tourism potential remains untapped because of the state of the roads.

Mafabi attributed the poor state of Uganda’s roads to corruption, saying contractors are often underpaid, which forces them to deliver substandard work. (All Photos by Alfred Ochwo)

“Our district has many tourism sites such as Sipi Falls and the Kapkwai Exploration Centre, but very few people visit them because of the poor roads. Due to the weather and mountainous terrain, our roads are always in bad condition. If tourists were coming, many locals would earn from selling things and guiding visitors. We need a government that will fix these roads,” he said.

Namasoko added that he had aspired to become a tour guide after completing Senior Six, but the low tourist numbers have made that dream impossible.

“I wanted to be a tour guide, but we rarely get tourists. Without visitors, these sites are useless to us,” he lamented.

Alex Arpsebei Sapya, the chairperson of the Gamutai Cooperative Society at Sipi town, noted that they are no longer receiving tourists because their cars often get stranded, forcing them to spend more money.

He said they have now resorted to using donkeys to transport their products to the market because vehicles can no longer use the roads.

Mafabi, who was warmly received by pupils of Holy Trinity Nursery and Primary School in Chemuron, said his government would prioritise tourism development and infrastructure as key drivers of economic growth.

“We cannot talk about development when roads leading to opportunities like these sites are broken,” Mafabi told his supporters. “My government will connect Uganda’s tourism to income, farmers to markets, and citizens to prosperity.”

He attributed the poor state of Uganda’s roads to corruption, saying contractors are often underpaid, which forces them to deliver substandard work.

“The cost of one road in Uganda equals that of three roads in other countries,” he said.

“Our approach will not just be about pouring tarmac, but building climate-resilient roads that are regularly maintained. Good roads mean more tourists, better market access for farmers, and more money in people’s pockets.”

In 2024, Uganda’s tourism revenue hit a record sh4.8 trillion ($1.28 billion), a 26% rise from the previous year, fuelled by a 7.7% increase in international tourist arrivals and longer average visitor stays.

In a special message to the schoolchildren who welcomed him, Mafabi said his government would comprehensively address teachers’ welfare to prevent strikes and ensure quality education.

“It’s a shame that the government has failed to listen to the needs of teachers despite their patience,” he said. “Teachers deserve better pay and working conditions because they hold the foundation of the nation’s future.”

As part of his campaign trail in Bulambuli and Kapchorwa, Mafabi urged voters to consider the future of their children when choosing the next president.

He lamented that education standards in eastern Uganda, especially in Bugisu, Bukedi, and Sebei, remain among the lowest in the country.

Rachel Nandundu, the FDC aspiring Woman MP for Bulambuli district, echoed Mafabi’s concerns, saying:

“Whenever the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) releases results, one has to start from the bottom to find schools from Bulambuli, Bududa, Bukwo, Budaka, Butebo, Kapchorwa, and Butaleja. This is unacceptable.”

Mafabi challenged the people of eastern Uganda to vote for change, promising to prioritise education, infrastructure, agriculture, and trade if elected.

“These sectors are key to boosting the economy and lifting our people out of poverty,” he said.