NELSON K
Leaders in Ntungamo District have raised concerns over the alleged misuse of government tractors by district engineers, accusing them of carelessly lending the machines to private individuals for personal activities instead of using them for their intended purpose—road construction.
Rushenyi County Member of Parliament, Naome Kabasharira, and Ngoma LC5 Councillor, Justus Bataringaya, have called out Eng. Charles Kusemererwa and his team for lending the two Ntungamo District tractors to private individuals. They argue that this practice has delayed critical roadworks that are vital for community progress and economic infrastructure.
Speaking to our reporter, MP Kabasharira expressed frustration over the poor state of roads in the area, highlighting how this has hindered economic development and left some areas inaccessible. She specifically mentioned the poor condition of roads such as Rubaare-Kigaaga, Kashenyi-Kizinga Border, and Hakashutamo Road.
Kabasharira emphasized that improving the state of these roads would enable residents to engage in economic activities, facilitating development and lifting communities out of poverty. She assured residents that the government is planning to address the issue and appealed for patience.
She also criticized Eng. Charles Kusemererwa for allowing government tractors to be used for private activities. Kabasharira noted that such misuse results in the machines wearing out and breaking down, thereby delaying their primary purpose—constructing district roads to improve transportation and boost economic development.
Ngoma LC5 Councillor, Justus Bataringaya, also shared his frustrations, highlighting the challenges residents face due to poor road conditions. He noted that the lack of proper roads has limited access to markets for farmers and cattle keepers in the area, negatively impacting the transportation of their produce.
Bataringaya further condemned the recent hiring out of government tractors to a private individual named Nelson, who allegedly used them to work on his coffee factory in Rwashamire. He described this as a misuse of government resources, stressing that public infrastructure should not be lent out for private use. He also called on both the district engineers and the civilians involved to refrain from such practices.
When contacted about these allegations, Eng. Moses Twine, one of the Ntungamo District engineers, stated that some of the roads mentioned, such as Rubaare-Kigaaga and Kashenyi-Kizinga Border, are included in the district’s work plan. He assured residents that these roads would be worked on soon. Twine also noted that the district government releases funds in quarters, requesting patience from residents.
However, when pressed for a response regarding the misuse of government tractors, Eng. Twine abruptly ended the call and did not comment further.
