Alito Town Council leader demand decentralization of Shs1 billion road maintenance grant

29 August 2026, 7:51 pm

By Baker Okello

Local government leaders across Lango are calling for the decentralization of the Shs1 billion national road maintenance grant to enable Sub-Counties and Town Councils to directly maintain community access roads.

The leaders argue that while district-level management of the funds has improved some major roads, many rural community roads remain in poor condition, making it difficult for residents to access markets, health centres, schools and other essential services.

The demand was raised during a regional meeting of Lango LCIII Chairpersons by Benedict Obote, the LCIII Chairperson and Mayor of Alito Town Council in Kole District.

Obote, who also serves as the Dean of Kole District LCIII Chairpersons, said decentralizing part of the road maintenance grant would enable lower local governments to respond more quickly to damage community access roads.

He noted that many roads connecting rural communities remain severely damaged, despite efforts at the district level to improve the main road network.

However, Obote acknowledged the practical challenges of dividing the Shs1 billion grant among Sub-Counties and Town Councils.

Local government leaders say rural, non-tarmacked community access roads are particularly vulnerable to damage caused by heavy rains, flooding and prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions.

They argue that relying solely on district-level interventions is not enough to address the extensive network of community roads, many of which require regular grading, drainage works and other routine maintenance.