Members of parliament under the Bunyoro parliamentary caucus want government to use the money generated from the oil sector to develop roads and promote education in their region. They argue that despite the endless support to the ruling government, Bunyoro region lacks a public university and has the worst road infrastructure compared to other parts of the country.
This is contained in a petition that was presented to the parliamentary oil adhoc committee by Earnest Kiiza, the chairperson of Bunyoro Parliamentary caucus. The legislators demanded that government considers upgrading roads, equipping schools and institutions and also establishing a public university in the region using the oil money.
They say bad roads and lack of vital educational institutions is to blame for the under development in the region, a trend they want to change with the oil discovery. Dr Kasirivu Atwooki, the Bugangaizi West Member of Parliament said although government has plans to elevate Kigumba Petroleum Institute to a university, the region needs a public university to cater for the education needs of the ever growing population.
Julius Bigirwa Junjura, a member of the adhoc committee and also Member of Parliament Buhaguzi County said despite the fact that government has repeatedly pledged to tarmac the Kyenjojo-Masindi-Kigumba road, nothing has been done. The seven man parliamentary adhoc committee, instituted last year to probe the oil sector has been in Bunyoro for a three day public hearing.
Michael Werikhe, the committee chairman says findings will be put to government’s attention including issues raised by area members of parliament. Bunyoro has the highest number of oil wells now under exploration in the Albertine rift.
