Simon Peter Wokorach, the Member of Parliament for Aswa County in Gulu District, has called on the government to immediately honor its pledge to upgrade the 72-kilometer Gulu-Paicho-Palaro-Purongo road, stressing its vital role in economic development and tourism.
The road connects to historic landmarks like the Sir Samuel Baker Fort, and Wokorach emphasized that its poor state is limiting the region’s potential for tourism development, which could otherwise generate revenue and create jobs for local communities.
The MP noted that the tourism sector, particularly in the Gulu-Purongo corridor,has the potential to thrive, but the dilapidated road conditions are a significant barrier to progress.
In addition to its tourism benefits, the road is economically critical, serving as a key trade route that links multiple districts in the region and extends to South Sudan, a neighboring country with growing economic ties to Uganda.
Wokorach argued that the government’s failure to maintain and upgrade the road is severely impacting regional trade and Uganda’s overall economic competitiveness.
He warned that without proper investment in infrastructure, the country risks falling behind in fostering regional trade partnerships and foreign investment.
The deterioration of the road has also led to business closures, particularly in rural areas, and disrupted healthcare access for thousands of residents, making it even more urgent to address the situation.
Wokorach explained that the road’s condition is exacerbating social inequalities, as healthcare facilities in remote areas struggle to access supplies, and local businesses face challenges in transporting goods to markets.
Wokorach also criticized the government for not following through on promises made during election campaigns, when the road’s upgrade was touted as a priority.
He warned that neglecting this promise could diminish public trust in government commitments, urging authorities to act without further delays.
The MP called for immediate action, with a focus on not just the road’s upgrade, but also ensuring that the maintenance of such key infrastructure is prioritized to avoid future degradation.
He stressed the importance of transparency in the implementation of the project and demanded that the government provide a clear timeline for completion.
Wokorach concluded by reiterating that an investment in the Gulu-Purongo road is an investment in the region’s future, benefiting the local economy, healthcare, tourism, and regional trade.
By Francis Lubega
10th Mar 2025
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