Leaders in Nabilatuk District have raised concern about the delayed implementation of phase three of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund- NUSAF 3 projects by Agro Max Company.
Agro Max, an agribusiness service provider that supplies innovative and sustainable agricultural solutions to small- and large-scale farmers across Uganda was paid 1.1 Billion Shillings last November to implement 49 projects.
Some of the projects include beekeeping, dairy farming, vegetable farming and road works among others at Kosikei Sub County. However, the company has only managed to open and demarcate land for ploughing, planted some trees and opened a few roads.
According to the Resident District Commissioner of Nabilatuk, Milton Odongo the community has been asking about the projects but the district leaders has no response despite the company being paid.
He says that part of the money was meant to fence off the proposed Kosikei Sub County, conduct public works and irrigation among others.
Paul Lokol, the LCV Chairperson Nabilatuk says that despite not implementing any project, more than 100 Million Shillings that was deposited into the company’s account was withdrawn.
He says that after checking with NUSAF III Desk Officer, the project activities were supposed to have ended last month.
Lokol adds that some of the projects like fencing of Kosikei sub-county headquarters at 41 Million Shillings were accounted for by Agro Max, but there is nothing on the ground.
The State Minister of Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu issued an ultimatum of one week to Agro Max to commence works or else face the law. Nandutu was informed by the district leaders that the contractor had abandoned the site after receiving the funds.
She ordered the police to arrest the owners of the company if works are not commenced immediately but nothing has since changed.
Gilbert Mbalinda Arinaitwe, the coordinator of Agro Max in Karamoja says the delay to complete Nabilatuk works is caused by a poor road network and insecurity. He says that their staff have been attacked by suspected warriors at the site.
He also alleges that some politicians mobilized the community to vandalize beehives that were put up in Kosikei to frustrate the project.
However, Lokol says they addressed all the concerns raised by the company including the alleged security threats but the contractor has failed to do the work.
