FACT CHECKER: Mbabazi on roads in the country

CLAIM: Independent presidential candidate John Patrick Amama Mbabazi told his supporters in Lyantonde and Masaka districts that in Ethiopia, the government that took power after NRM came to power has increased road network coverage from 26,000km of tarmac roads to 100,000km in 24 years. He said, Uganda has tarmacked less than 2,000km of roads in a period of 30 years. In 1986, Uganda had 1,000km of tarmac roads.

FACT: The Ethiopian economy has recorded a remarkable expansion with the gross domestic product (GDP) growing by an average 10.9 per cent in the past decade, compared to a 5.4 per cent average throughout sub-Saharan Africa. While Ethiopia’s road network coverage has reached 100,000km from about 8,000km 24 years ago, Uganda’s tarmac roads have also increased from about 1,000 in 1986 to more than 6,279km and not 2,000km as Mr Mbabazi indicated. This figure, however, excludes district roads, UNRA roads 4,157km and urban (2,122km).

Mbabazi accuses Museveni of clinging on power

CLAIM: Amama Mbabazi has criticised his former ally, President Museveni, for what he termed as “clinging to power”. While launching his presidential campaigns in Bunyoro sub-region recently. Mr Mbabazi said, even if a leader is good, it is not sensible for him to cling on.

THE TRUTH: Mr Mbabazi served in President Museveni’s government for about 28 years in various portfolios, the highest being as prime minister. Speaking about the disputed sole candidature motion in February 2014, Mr Mbabazi said having worked with President Museveni for a long time, they knew each other well and that President Museveni was a good leader in the liberation war, and in peace and stability. He added that it is rare to have such a leader.

Verdict. Debatable

Policyticks
Land Reforms: Mr Mbabazi promised to initiate land reforms that will help the poor to own land and protect them from illegal evictions. He also promised to inject more money into the land fund.

Job creation: The Go Forward candidate has promised to ensure that there is a bank at every sub-county where youth interest in setting up small business can easily access loans without security. He said these banks will create 500,000 jobs.

Infrastructure development: He promised a better road network to attract tourism that will boost the economy and business especially in the oil-rich areas. The better roads will also reduce the cost of doing business.