Otuke District, Uganda – A heated dispute has erupted between the District LCV Chairman, Francis Abola, and Otuke East County MP, Julius Acon Bua, concerning the utilization of road construction funds and the accountability of district projects.
The clash, marked by accusations of mismanagement and political ambition, underscores deep-seated tensions as both officials gear up for the 2026 MP elections.
Francis Abola, the District LCV Chairman, asserts that Otuke District has successfully completed the construction of 24 roads spanning over 190 kilometres, using a budget of 1 billion UGX.
He further emphasizes the district’s commitment to enhancing these roads by allocating additional funds for maram surfacing in the current financial year of 2024/25.
Abola maintains that his role is to oversee government projects and ensure accountability, highlighting the district’s efforts in infrastructure development.
In stark contrast, MP Julius Acon Bua vehemently disputes these claims, alleging widespread mismanagement of funds and inaccuracies in project reporting by district officials.
Acon Bua claims that only half of the allocated 1 billion UGX has been effectively utilized, with discrepancies in the reported progress of road construction projects.
He accuses district authorities of withholding detailed project specifications (BOQs) and misrepresenting the extent of completed works, specifically citing issues with substandard roads and incomplete maram surfacing on designated routes.
Central to the dispute is the ownership and funding of the road from Otuke Town to Kristina Health Centre III, MP Acon Bua asserts that he personally financed the construction of a 4-kilometer stretch leading to the health centre, whereas Chairman Abola attributes this project to district initiatives.
This discrepancy has escalated tensions, with Acon Bua accusing Abola of exploiting district projects for political gain ahead of the upcoming elections.
The conflict between Abola and Acon Bua is exacerbated by their political ambitions for the 2026 MP elections.
Acon Bua accuses Abola of leveraging district projects to bolster his electoral prospects, using public platforms to assert control over initiatives that Acon Bua claims were privately funded.
In response, Abola dismisses these accusations as politically motivated slander aimed at discrediting his leadership and deflecting attention from his achievements in infrastructure development.
The ongoing dispute not only jeopardizes public trust in local governance but also raises concerns about the effective utilization of public funds earmarked for infrastructure development in Otuke District.
As allegations continue to circulate and tensions escalate, residents are left questioning the transparency and accountability of district leadership.
The outcome of this conflict could significantly influence voter sentiments and electoral outcomes in the upcoming MP elections, underscoring the stakes for both Abola and Acon Bua as they vie for political dominance.
As Otuke District grapples with conflicting narratives surrounding road construction projects and the allocation of public funds, the standoff between Francis Abola and Julius Acon Bua underscores broader issues of governance and accountability.
With accusations of mismanagement and political opportunism on both sides, the dispute not only threatens to undermine local development efforts but also highlights the intense competition for political supremacy in the lead-up to the 2026 MP elections.