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By Augustine Olule
As Karamoja region remains the only region in Uganda without a city, the leaders from Moroto Municipality the proposed city to be have asked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to fulfill his pledge of upgrading Moroto Municipality into a city come 2023.
Muhammad Ismail the mayor of Moroto Municipality says that though the government of Uganda led by President Museveni has also supported the people of Karamoja in time of need but it’s not enough to appreciate them for the support that they have always rendered to the NRM government.
According to Ismail, Karamoja is the only region which has for the past 35years given 100% full support to the NRM party but wondered why they are left behind by the very party they always vote for. He added that Karamoja is tired of waiting saying that if they are not a city come 2023, this would significantly show them that the NRM government does not mind of them.
He asked the government to start providing Moroto with resources that fit the city status not a municipality anymore.
Meanwhile, Mary Nacap the deputy Mayor of Moroto municipality also expressed her disappointment to the NRM government for taking long to respond to the request of the loyal people of Karamoja who have always given full support to the ruling party.
According to Nacap, the NRM government should upgrade Moroto Municipality into a city next year and also declare free education for Karamoja region as one way of encouraging the poor Karimojongs to take their children to school.
Nacap added that a number of children in Karamoja are not studying due to high school fees charged in both private and government schools in the region.
However, Justine Sam Tuko the deputy RDC of Moroto in his response to the cry of the leaders, asked them to be calm adding that the NRM government is committed to serve and develop Karamoja. He also tasked the leaders to offer good service delivery to the people of Karamoja so that they don’t feel neglected by the government.
It should also be noted that Karamoja is the poorest region in the country with high consumption rate of alcohol currently standing at 48%.
