Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-03 16:27:46
The government of Uganda is taking steps to ease traffic congestion at the Malaba and Busia border points by considering the gazetting of two new border points in Eastern Uganda. This initiative was announced by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of East African Affairs, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, during a fundraising event for the completion of St Karoli Lwanga Catholic Church in Amagoro, Tororo District.
Ms Kadaga emphasized the need to decongest the traffic at the major entry border points in Eastern Uganda, particularly Malaba and Busia. The two new border points being considered for gazetting are Bulwande in Majanji Sub County and Buteba in Buteba Sub County, Busia District. This move comes in response to calls from Tororo District MPs to expand the Malaba-Kampala and Busia-Kampala highways to dual carriageways to accommodate the increasing volume of cargo trucks and reduce accidents.
Kadaga urged the communities near the proposed new border points to support the initiative, highlighting the benefits it would bring, such as creating employment opportunities. She also cautioned against the misuse of these borders for smuggling activities. During the fundraising event, Kadaga made a personal contribution of Shs10 million towards the completion of the church and encouraged the clergy to motivate their congregations to engage in economic activities to generate income for supporting church projects.
In addition to providing spiritual guidance, Ms Kadaga stressed the importance of encouraging believers to participate in economic activities to support the development of their church. The Tororo District Woman MP, Ms Sarah Opendi, organized the fundraising drive after witnessing believers praying outdoors under harsh weather conditions due to the incomplete church structure.
The Archbishop of Tororo Archdiocese, Dr Emmanuel Obbo, used his sermon to call on both local and national leaders to enact laws that prioritize the well-being of God’s people over their own interests. He cautioned that laws that may benefit them while in power could become burdensome once they are no longer in authority. The Archbishop expressed gratitude for the generosity shown in supporting the completion of the church, acknowledging the challenges faced by the faithful, especially during the rainy season when prayers had to be suspended.
Overall, the government’s decision to consider gazetting two new border points in Eastern Uganda aims to alleviate traffic congestion at Malaba and Busia border points while fostering economic development in the region. The support and involvement of the local communities, leaders, and religious institutions are essential in ensuring the success of this initiative and the completion of important community projects like the St Karoli Lwanga Catholic Church in Tororo District.
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