MP Fungaroo pushes for Arua airport upgrade, Inzikuru stadium construction
Fungaroo challenged the Government to take West Nile’s development needs seriously, citing delays in key projects such as the proposed upgrade of Arua Airfield into an international airport and the construction of Dorcus Inzikuru Stadium in Barifa. He said the region had demonstrated longstanding support for the NRM Government but continued to feel neglected in terms of development and representation.
MP Hassan Kaps Fungaroo (centre) greets MP Khemis Muzaid after the latter called for the upgrade of Arua Airfield into an international airport. (Photo by Robert Ariaka)
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Member of Parliament for Obongi County and West Nile Parliamentary Caucus chairman Hassan Kaps Fungaroo has urged the Government to fast-track the upgrade of Arua Airfield into an international airport and construct the proposed Dorcus Inzikuru Stadium in Barifa.
Speaking during the victory party of Arua City Central Division MP Khemis Muzaid at Arua Primary School playground on August 15, 2026, Fungaroo said the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus and local government leaders were united in calling on the Government to prioritise development projects in the region.
He said projects included in the national budget are sometimes not implemented before the financial year ends, while promises made to the people of West Nile remain unfulfilled.
“This is because we have discovered that West Nile is not taken seriously. Projects which are lined up, put up in the budget, sometimes are not implemented until the financial year ends. Promises which are made for the people of West Nile are not implemented until the term of office ends,” Fungaroo said.
Fungaroo cited the proposed upgrade of Arua Airfield into an international airport as an example of a project that has been promised several times but remains unfulfilled.
“We want to project our voices to the government that we are not happy, because we are not taken seriously. Examples are here: Arua International Airport has been delayed, yet it was promised a long time ago,” Fungaroo reiterated.
He also cited the proposed construction of Dorcus Inzikuru Stadium in Barifa, which he said has never been implemented despite Inzikuru's achievements, including winning the 3,000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships on August 10, 2005, in Helsinki, Finland, and later winning Commonwealth gold on March 22, 2006, in Melbourne, Australia.
Fungaroo questioned why the Government had constructed other stadiums that were proposed after the Inzikuru stadium, while the facility named after the athlete remains unconstructed.
Although the Government of Uganda has secured a sh650b loan from the African Development Bank to upgrade Arua Airfield into an international airport, Fungaroo challenged the Government to take West Nile's development needs seriously.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) politician said West Nile had demonstrated support and loyalty to the NRM Government for a long time, including during the bush war struggle.
He cited leaders such as the late Gen. Moses Ali, ex-leader of the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), as well as Gen. Amin Onzi and the late Col Ibrahim Abiriga, among others, who supported the NRM while it was still in the bush.
Fungaroo argued that the region made a significant contribution to the Government's rise to power but questioned why West Nile was not being taken seriously in terms of development and representation.
He also pointed to what he described as the lack of a Cabinet minister and permanent secretary from West Nile in the NRM Government.
“We do not have a single cabinet minister; why? We do not have a single permanent secretary; why? Don't we have educated people? We have universities here that have produced so many educated people with PhDs,” Fungaroo queried.
He challenged the Government to appoint someone from West Nile as a permanent secretary in one of the ministries where key decisions are made.
Oli Health Centre IV
Erick Dramviku, the MP for Terego West Constituency, who represented health minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi as chief guest at the function, told residents of Arua Central Division that the minister had committed to elevating Oli Health Centre IV to a city general hospital.
He said the upgrade would help serve the growing population of South Sudanese, Democratic Republic of Congo nationals and Ugandans in the city.
Muzaid pledges unity
Muzaid rose from serving as LC3 chairperson of River Oli Division from 2016 to 2021 to becoming Mayor of Arua Central Division from 2021 to 2026. He later contested for Parliament and was elected MP for Arua City Central Division in the 12th Parliament.
“Those years taught me one important lesson. Leadership is not about titles; it is about service. As we celebrate today, I also wish to speak from my heart about forgiveness. Lessons often come with strong emotions, different opinions and sometimes misunderstandings. Along the way, words might have been spoken, or actions that were taken caused pain or disappointment. If I have offended or acted on anybody unknowingly and unwillingly, I ask for forgiveness,” Muzaid said.
He encouraged the people of Arua city to embrace forgiveness and move forward together as one community, saying they shared the same hopes and dreams for their children and future generations.
The legislator, who subscribes to the FDC, said development could not be achieved through divisions but through unity, urging residents to bury their differences and work together to develop Arua Central Division and Arua city.
“My commitment as your Member of Parliament is to serve every citizen without discrimination. Whether you voted for me or not, I am your representative, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that every voice is heard and every community receives fair attention from me. Good service delivery will remain my highest priority,” Muzaid reiterated.
He committed to advocating for improved health services, quality education, better roads, clean water, support for the business community, opportunities for young people and programmes that empower women and vulnerable groups.
He said he would work closely with local leaders, government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to ensure services reach residents effectively and efficiently. He also pledged to remain accessible and accountable.
Muzaid pledged to foster peace, uphold the rule of law, protect public resources, support schools, maintain health facilities and encourage young people to pursue education, entrepreneurship, skills development and productive livelihoods to improve their lives.
He advised residents to choose unity over division, dialogue over conflict and service over self-interest.