A recent survey carried out on the roads usage shows that majority Ugandans want the government to seal the potholes and widen the narrow roads.

According to the 2016 Road User Satisfaction Survey that was carried out by CrossRaods on behalf of the Uganda Road Fund (URF), 62.7% of those interviewed said they were unhappy with the potholes, narrowness of the roads, poor drainage systems and poor road maintenance.

The survey indicates that the percentage of people who are dissatisfied with the roads dwindled to 37.3 percent in 2016 from 53.2 percent in 2015.

The survey also indicates that only 48.3 percent of Ugandans felt Safe on the Ugandan roads, compared to 51 percent in 2015. Reasons for feeling unsafe included bad driving by motorists, congestion of cyclists, lack of walkways.

Further, the survey indicated that road users from eastern Uganda were the ‘least satisfied’ while those from the western part of the country were the ‘highly satisfied’ users.

While launching the survey, the URF Executive Director Eng. Micheal Odongo, said the report would help government budget for all roads in the country.

“Most of the factors stated are just maintenance factors. Issues of dust, potholes can easily be dealt with if there was money to do the maintenance,” Odongo said, urging the government to consider the views of road users and avail the funds to improve the road network.

The Minister for Finance Matia Kasaija, who officiated at the launch, said the road maintenance fund would be increased in the next financial year.

“Roads are the main catalyst for development and economic growth hence the need for us to continue prioritizing our infrastructure development,” Minister Kasaija said in reference to the suggestions raised in the report.

The survey which started in 2012 is done annually by CrossRoads with support from United Nations and Department for International Development (DFID).

Uganda’s road network is the most used means of transport for humans and mainly agricultural products as the country does not have well developed railway, water and air transport system.

In the 2017/18 national budget government provided Shs4.8 trillion on works and transport, up from Shs3.8 trillion in the financial year 2016/17.

The major highway roads are managed by the Uganda National Roads Authority while districts manage local feeder roads.

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The Islamic Revolution Mostazafan Foundation has expressed interest in investing in various projects in Uganda including in the mining and petroleum sectors.

A three-man delegation from the Foundation was in the country and met the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum (UCMP) Chairman Dr Elly Karuhanga, who outlined to them the investment opportunities available.

“With Uganda eyeing first oil in 2020, the opportunities in the oil sector are immense,” Dr Karuhanga told the Iranians, adding that other than the oil refinery and oil pipeline projects, other supportive infrastructural projects like roads, the railway and energy are in the offing.

Other opportunities, Dr Karuhanga said, exist in logistics management, foods and beverages, security, finance, human resource, waste management and crane services.

“At least up to USD20 million is expected to be invested in Uganda to help the oil industry take off smoothly,” he said, inviting the guests to partner with UCMP in the mining and oil sectors.

Dr Karuhanga said Uganda also has minerals like iron and steel, copper, limestone, gold, tin, tungsten and Columbite Tantalite (Coltan), and that investing in value-addition to such minerals would provide great returns to the Foundation.

Speaking during the meeting Mr Seyed Mortaza Mortaza, the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda noted that the country offers great business prospects for Iranians, adding that the two countries enjoy strong bilateral ties.

The Mostazafan Foundation is the second largest commercial enterprise in Iran, controlling 150 companies spread across assorted sectors like agriculture, foods and beverages, mining, petroleum and manufacturing.

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In an exciting ceremony befitting of a Friday held at the NBS TV offices in Kamwokya, Airtel Uganda has rewarded the second batch of winners in its ‘Mega Masappe’ promotion.

The winners received their prizes from a team of Airtel Uganda representatives led by Rajesh Agrawal, the telecom company’s Networks Director. Shaban Kyeswa from Bulenga took home the grand prize of a brand new motor vehicle.

Xuqing Qingmu from Fort Portal and Robert Baliruno Nsubuga from Nansana walked away with brand new motor bicycles.

Earlier this week, the first set of winners in the promotion were awarded, with six lucky subscribers taking home UGX3million, motor and bicycles, among other prizes.

Speaking at the prize-giving event today, Rajesh Agrawal, Airtel Networks Director, expressed gratitude to the winners for taking part in the promotion.

“On behalf of Airtel Uganda, I am honored to be here, rewarding the second set of loyal customers and winners in the ‘Mega Masappe’ promotion. We had the first award ceremony a few days back and we were excited to see our customers in a celebratory mood. Our customers’ loyalty is crucial to our business operations and we are honored to be able to reward them with life-changing prizes,” Agrawal said.

“Airtel Uganda is committed to continuously giving our customers an unbeatable experience. We believe that fulfilling this is the reason we’ve remained Uganda’s Number One Smartphone network,” he added.

Agrawal also called upon Airtel Uganda subscribers to participate in the promotion.

“Mega Masappe’ is a nationwide campaign. We have winners from various regions across Uganda, so my message to everyone is to take part in ‘Mega Masappe’- there are daily, weekly prizes to be won, in addition to the bonus calls, SMS and data bundles that come when one reaches their target,” he said.

As part of ‘Mega Masappe’, subscribers are required to opt into the promo by dialing *162# and selecting option 1 to opt in, option 2 to check target and option 3 to redeem their data bonus – which will be broken down into Voice, SMS and Data at 50%, 10% and 40% respectively. This bonus however does not apply to social packs, quarterly, annual and free bundles.

Mega Masappe promotion subscriber bonus will be given instantly on the achievement of the daily target. For example, if a subscriber’s bonus target is Ushs. 1,000 and they recharge with that Ushs. 1,000, they will receive 100% bonus of the same value under the Voice, SMS & Data split. However, if they recharge with another Ushs. 1,000 on the same day, they will not get a second bonus.

Daily and weekly prizes will be given away every Friday for the 90-days’ duration of the promotion.

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