Government releases Shs 26 billion road funds to districts, cities

Government has released Shs 26.1 billion for road maintenance works in districts, cities and municipalities for the fourth quarter of 2022/23 financial year.

Following a circular that was issued by the Uganda Road Fund dated April 17, 2023 indicated that over Shs 16.4 billion has been sent to 135 districts, town councils and their sub counties, Shs 3.3 billion goes to 10 cities while Shs 6.4 billion goes to 31 municipalities summing to a total of Shs 26.1 billion.

Many roads in different parts of the country particularly the district and community access roads are in sorry states with social media users launching Uganda pothole road exhibition yesterday in Kampala city by sharing photos of potholes on various social media sites.

The Executive Director to the Board Mr Naimanye Andrew warned the accounting officers to ensure that the funds aren’t lost through corruption and garnishing.

He further asked the chief administrative officer’s of the respective districts local government to urgently transfer the funds for the town councils under their votes.

“ The funds for maintenance of districts roads should be transferred to the works account immediately.

The CAO’s remain accountable to the URF for funds so transferred to sub agencies as agreed in the performance agreements,” he said.

He further added that agencies should implement road maintenance works on only road schemes approved in the already signed performance agreements between DAs and URF.

However according to him the operational guidelines show the eligible expenditure heads and accountability procedures among others and warned that agencies should desist from diversion of funds and expenditures on capital expenditures.

He said all the available funds so far received by URF have been allocated and that agencies should not expect any additional release during the quarter.