“No Road No Vote!” Natives of Ibuje threaten to boycott 2026 polls

20 February 2024, 5:10 pm

By Mike Okwang Ogule & Isaac Newton Abili

Residents and local leaders of Tarogali and Aganga parishes in Ibuje Sub-County Apac District have threatened to boycott all upcoming elections demanding construction of roads in their locality.

The 31-kilometer road in question is Alenga-Kungu road joining almost three parishes of Tarogali, Aganga and Igoti and two sub-counties of Ibuje and Akokoro.

Locals also blamed the current widespread household poverty on the poor road networks within their area.

Last week while speaking during a security meeting in Tarogali Parish, locals raised concerns about the poor road, saying it’s impassable especially during rainy season.

Paul Ogwang, the Aganga LC2 chairperson, said the price of their agricultural product such as maize has extremely reduced due to bad road since buyers cannot easily reach the farmers.

Chrisper Olila, another resident said that school going children especially in lower classes always reach school late when it rains, and according to her it has affected education of their children.

Isaac Obote, a farmer, testified that many expectant mothers have delivered on the road,as a result of delays caused by bad road which is full of potholes.

He calls on the Apac District local government to consider their roads as a priority because they contribute greatly to the local revenue basket.  

On the other hand, Alex Ogota, the LC3 chairperson of Ibuje Sub-County enlightened that the road has turned into death trap, adding that it has killed a total of seven people in separate road accidents, since he joined leadership in 2021.

He, however, called upon the district authorities to take action in order to save the lives of people.

George Abudul, Apac District Resident District Commissioner, also urged locals against blocking water channels, hence causing water logging on the roads.

Asante Odongo Ikomba, the Apac LC5 chairperson while responding to the concerns raised by locals and leaders asked locals to remain patient saying the district is following its work plan which was discussed by councilors in a meeting in a bid to render equal services to communities of Apac District, adding that the district is currently grappling with financial challenges that requires aid from the central government.