By Editorial Team

19^th March 2012: The news that President Museveni has finally written to Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi demanding an explanation on why some roads in the countryside are in such a sorry state despite government allocation of Shs1.2 trillion in the budget for road repairs must be welcomed across the political divide.

Of course, the opposition will find it nearly impossible to resist the temptation to heap blame on the president – perhaps arguing, quite legitimately, that it has taken a quarter of century for the president to finally realise that the country’s roads are in a sorry state.  But as the old adage goes, ‘better late than never’!

Bad roads cost Uganda dearly.  Hundreds of drivers have collided on our roads as they try to dodge potholes, causing unnecessary death to innocent commuters.  Drivers have also had to contend with constant repair bills as parts of their vehicles break whenever they hit potholes hard.

The cost of bad roads to the economy is also immeasurable – especially if you consider the time it takes for traders to move their commodities to markets across the country.  A journey that should have taken 6hrs takes them twelve hours, meaning in the end, they do less trips in a week and thus make less money.

For the same reasons, Ugandan then becomes a less attractive destination for foreign investors who could have injected billions of dollars in the economy and employed thousands if not millions of Ugandans.  It’s therefore very encouraging to see that the president has finally seen the light.  Policy changes come after a change in attitude.

The 1,000 mile road trip was therefore good therapy for the president.  He must now push his ministers to deliver.  If they don’t deliver or steal road repair funds, then he should immediately fire them. END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.