Dear brothers and sisters, By now most of you have read the Monitor article posted by Peter Odama and technical analysis of the airport posted by Milton Anguyo.
- You can all see that the airport terminal construction stalled because - (1) Stakeholders (majority land owners were not compensated by the civil aviation authority (CAA). They are weary and anxious about whether they will be compensated or not. They put up resistance demanding compensation before they can vacate and relocate. Stakeholders did not care too much about the economic benefits of this project. This type of resistance against a project is everywhere around the world. - This is normal reaction from stakeholders when they are not involved in the beginning of project planning. Negative stakeholders will obstruct a project regardless of benefits if it does benefit them directly. Positive stakeholders will support and influence project success because they can see benefits or they benefit directly - (2) Funds for the airport terminal construction were diverted to expand and rebuild Kasese airstrip. - Although Honorable Atiku has taken lead on this issue. It would be very good if a formal *A FORMAL AIRPORT STEERING COMMITTEE* is formed that includes most (all MPs from West Nile), R5 + other Representative like affected families, the mayor of Arua, etc. The steering committee could LOBBY CAA and Ministry of Transport with one voice. May be brother Hussein with his excellent writing skills could even join efforts with Hon Atiku to assemble this committee. We could possibly see a positive outcome in a shorter time. Six years (6) has passed Since this project stalled. Team work will yield better results. - Let us learn lessons from Muni University. H.E M7 wanted public universities almost in every town in Uganda. We all joined in this forum with brilliant ideas and formed *a steering committee comprising of Professors hailing from the West Nile region*. They lobbied the Ministry of Education. In a matter of five years (5), the university is up running. - In the recent elections,* H.E M7 promised to make Northern Region an INDUSTRIAL HUB IN UGANDA. He has allocated funds for innovation in the country.* This may be the best time to capture his attention and imagination on the underdevelopment and poverty alleviation issues in the region. The Macro-economic impact of this Airport project would create several hundred jobs. The economic multiplier factor would be endless. - We have several senior level MPs and Ministers from this region. This may be the best time for them to lobby H.E. The more we continue to lobby in positive manner, our chances of getting some things done in the region may increase. - Industrialization requires stable electricity. The electricity generated from Nyagaki Hydro project is not enough to support *FACTORIES OPERATING 24 HOURS X 7 DAYS.* *Electricity supply alone is another CONSTRAINT* *hindering economic growth*. With the presence of stable electricity, it will be easier for someone to install an equipment that can possibly create 2-10 jobs or more. - It is small successful businesses/companies that create jobs. This is the engine of economic growth in any country. I am certain that from this forum, there are many interprenuers capable of creating several jobs. We are all stuck by physical constraints that needs to be addressed and removed. - JJ
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