Kyagulanyi pledges major improvements to Lango roads

________________

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has blamed the persistent poor state of roads in Lango sub-region on government neglect, saying the situation has crippled trade, worsened unemployment, and stalled local development.

Kyagulanyi says improving road infrastructure would be a top priority under his administration, arguing that unequal development across regions reflects misplaced government priorities.

“We arrived here clean in the morning, but look at us now,” Kyagulanyi said while addressing supporters at Kona Aput trading centre in Amolatar district. 

“The dust you see on us tells the whole story. Roads are the foundation of development.”

The Opposition leader made the remarks on December 3, 2025, while canvassing for votes in the districts of Amolatar and Dokolo as part of his bid for the presidency in the 2026 General Election.

He cited the poor condition of roads as evidence that the current government has failed to invest equitably in infrastructure, saying communities in northern Uganda continue to lag despite repeated promises.

“Roads should not be constructed only in one region,” Kyagulanyi said. “When roads are bad, farmers sell produce at throwaway prices, transport costs rise, and young people remain jobless.”

Kyagulanyi said during his journey through the area, dusty and dilapidated roads hampered movement, reflecting what residents endure daily.

He argued that access to quality roads would unlock agriculture, trade and fishing-dependent economies around Lake Kyoga.

He also linked unemployment in the region to weak infrastructure, noting that limited road networks make it costly to transport goods and discourage private investment.

“If government cared about the people, it would prioritise roads instead of spending money on intimidation,” he said, referring to the heavy security presence that followed his campaign trail. “The money is there, but it is not being used for the people.”

Broader reforms

Beyond roads, Kyagulanyi pledged broader reforms, including restoring public confidence in state institutions, improving access to justice, and liberating security agencies from political interference, though he said infrastructure would be a critical driver of economic revival.

Despite reports of large crowds at ferry landings in Namasale and Zengebe, turnout at some rally venues was lower than in previous engagements. At Kona Aput, Kyagulanyi addressed supporters from his vehicle and did not alight.

Speaking later at Angwechibange Playground in Dokolo, Kyagulanyi attributed the lower turnout to intimidation.

“The RDC was on the radio saying whoever attended my rally would be shot,” he claimed. “Police officers also moved around discouraging people from coming.”

However, New Vision Online could not independently verify the allegations.

He further claimed that Police confiscated his mobile public address system in an attempt to undermine his rallies.

Kyagulanyi travelled with his Northern Uganda running mate, Dr Lina Zedriga, and was clad in a bulletproof jacket and armoured helmet during movements as a precaution.

Earlier in the day, he urged his supporters and campaign team to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the campaign period.