MP Jonathan Ebwalu Calls for Audit and Transparency in Soroti Flying School Expansion
MP Jonathan Ebwalu Calls for Audit and Transparency in Soroti Flying School Expansion
MP Jonathan Ebwalu Calls for Audit and Transparency in Soroti Flying School Expansion
Jonathan Ebwalu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Soroti City West, has demanded an immediate audit and increased transparency regarding the proposed expansion of Soroti Flying School. He raised concerns over the government’s attempts to move forward with land demarcation and surveying without engaging local leaders and the communities affected by these actions.
In a media address today, Ebwalu criticized the Ministry of Works for initiating the expansion process without first securing the involvement of relevant stakeholders, including Parliament. “I want to go on record that this has never come to our Committee of Parliament,” he stated. He emphasized that even if the government plans to expand the Soroti Flying School, Parliament must be included, as it is through his committee that the government will request funds for such a project.
The MP’s call for an audit was triggered by an alleged attempt by government authorities to conduct land surveys for the school’s expansion. This action has sparked tensions among affected families and local leaders, who contend that they were not consulted or informed before these activities took place. Ebwalu, who is also a member of Parliament’s Physical Infrastructure Committee, pointed out that no official proposal regarding the school’s expansion has been presented to his committee.
According to Ebwalu, the exclusion of local stakeholders and Parliament raises serious questions about the transparency and long-term commitment of the government to this initiative. He reiterated that any development plans must ensure fair compensation for affected communities and an open process for land demarcation. “The government must come and negotiate with the affected families,” he insisted. “The demarcation and surveys should be done openly and transparently, and compensation for our people must be carried out upfront before any exercise starts.”
Ebwalu also noted that the discussions surrounding the Soroti Flying School expansion appear suspiciously timed with the upcoming election cycle. He pointed out that similar development issues, such as compensation for land cut-offs and the long-promised Serere Kagwara Road project, tend to emerge just before elections. “The issue of the expansion of Soroti Flying School has been coming on and off,” Ebwalu remarked. “Whenever we approach the election cycle, it comes up, just like the issue of the cut-off compensation and the Serere Kagwara Road. It keeps resurfacing.”
While he acknowledges the importance of upgrading Soroti Flying School, Ebwalu expressed concern that the government’s renewed push for expansion may be politically motivated. “Now again, it is coming because we are approaching the next cycle of the election,” he said.
Currently, the Soroti Flying School operates with a runway length of approximately 1,700 meters (1.7 kilometers). To achieve international airport status, the runway would need to be extended to a minimum of 3,200 meters (3.2 kilometers), according to aviation standards. Ebwalu highlighted that addressing this significant gap in infrastructure is essential for upgrading the school to international status. “If the government is serious this time about expanding Soroti Flying School, they must commit to following due process,” he emphasized. “This includes involving all affected families, conducting transparent surveys, and compensating people before any work begins.”
The MP also underscored the potential economic benefits of expanding Soroti Flying School, suggesting it could transform the region and stimulate local development. He remains optimistic about the positive impact an expanded facility could have, provided the project is executed transparently and responsibly. Ebwalu outlined several potential benefits, including improvements to infrastructure and the creation of new economic opportunities for the local population. “We stand to benefit a lot if the Soroti Flying School is expanded into an international airport,” he noted. “We could see first-class roads, new hotels, industrial parks, a stadium, and many other facilities that would stimulate economic growth in Soroti.”
He added that expanding the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft would also necessitate widening the runway and increasing parking capacity to handle up to 10 wide-body aircraft. This development would further establish Soroti as a key transportation and logistics hub in the region.
Ebwalu stressed the necessity of involving local leaders in the expansion process. He called for the inclusion of MPs, mayors, local councilors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project aligns with the community’s best interests. “The government should stop carrying out any demarcation or surveys without first involving the affected people and local leaders,” he asserted. “We must all embrace development, but it must be done in a way that respects the rights of our people and ensures transparency at every stage.”
