The LC5 Chairman for Pader district Mr Alfred Akena has raised deep concerns about the poor state of roads linking areas in the region that have bee worst hit by the nodding epidemic. 

Akena said that these roads are under the management of central government, and have become a barrier to the victims accessing medical attention and services. 

He further noted that the roads from Lira-Kitgum via Puranga, Gulu to Acholi –Bur via Atanga health and Pader to Awere via Pajule are the most affected. 

Akena made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the Northern Uganda Media Centre (NUMEC) last week, adding that ambulances and other vehicles are being prevented from reaching nodding victims who are in need of not only medication but also food. 

He named the worst affected sub counties in his district as Awere and Pajule which are all very far from Atanga Health Centre, the treatment centre established by government. 

“The roads belong to central government, in Pader compared to the roads belong to district and community; they are the worst,” he said. 

Mr Akena noted that he had written to the Ministry of Works and Communication in protest over state of roads in the region. 

He added that what is even more puzzling is the fact that the Ministry of Health is on record down playing the number of deaths from the nodding disease at only 200 and epilepsy at over 300 cases. 

Akena revealed that Pader, Lamwo and Kitgum share the same office for district Engineer who is based in Kitgum district and that constructors always only spring into action when the President is coming to visit the region. 

He added that too much money is allocated for maintenances of roads but engineers and constructor are just eating the money. 

“That is the area of corruption; there is money for these roads sent by the Ministry for maintenance, where is the money going?’’ He asked.