Moses Aleper, the MP for Chekwii County in Karamoja, has raised fresh concerns about the slow pace of development in the sub-region, warning that long-standing infrastructure gaps continue to hold back progress.
Speaking to Bbeg Media in an interview at his parliamentary office, Aleper said that despite government interventions, much more needs to be done to improve livelihoods in Karamoja.
Aleper acknowledged efforts by the government in areas such as security and road construction. However, he said critical sectors like water access remain underdeveloped.
He argued that improving access to water for livestock would help reduce cattle rustling among Karamojong communities.
According to him, reliable water sources would also support agriculture by enabling farmers to achieve better yields and strengthen the entire value chain.
Aleper, who served as vice chairperson of the parliamentary committee on budget and finance in the 11th Parliament, urged newly elected lawmakers from Karamoja to prioritise agriculture and livestock production.
He called for increased access to tractors and fertilisers, saying these would help farmers improve productivity and manage post-harvest losses.
The legislator also stressed the importance of market access. He said poor road networks in hard-to-reach areas continue to hinder the transportation of agricultural and livestock products to urban markets, limiting job creation for young people and women.
Aleper further highlighted the need to address education challenges in the sub-region. He urged fellow leaders to support compulsory Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE) to tackle high school dropout rates, which he attributed to poverty and parental apathy.
Despite these challenges, Aleper noted that Karamoja has qualified individuals who can serve in public offices. He, however, expressed concern that the region remains underrepresented in key government positions.
He welcomed recent developments, including the appointment of a principal judge from the region, the establishment of a ministry for Karamoja, and the adoption of the Karamoja Development Plan by the National Planning Authority.
Aleper also criticised some members of parliament for what he described as weak debating skills. He said some legislators fail to read and adequately research bills before they are passed, which undermines the quality of parliamentary work.
He urged the incoming Karamoja Parliamentary Group to focus on issues affecting their constituents, noting that the sub-region has historically lagged behind in development.
He also expressed support for the current parliamentary leadership under Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, saying continuity would strengthen the independence and credibility of parliament.
