Arua City has acquired a motor grader worth Shs1.2 billion, fully funded through locally generated revenue, in a move officials say will ease road works and reduce maintenance costs.

The grader, commissioned on Tuesday by Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi, is the first of its kind purchased by the city without central government support.

Magyezi said the equipment belongs to the people and must be protected, properly maintained, and used responsibly.

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He added that government plans to provide road equipment to all cities to improve access and service delivery.

City Clerk David Kyasanku said the grader marks a major milestone for Arua, which oversees more than 550 kilometres of road network.

Until now, the city depended on borrowing graders from Obongi and neighbouring districts, while hiring one cost Shs1.5 million per day, an expense he described as unsustainable.

"The new grader will help us open more roads leading to schools, hospitals, and markets, improving access, connectivity, and service delivery across the city," Kyasanku said.

In the 2024/2025 financial year, Arua City collected Shs6.7 billion in local revenue and projects Shs7.5 billion for 2025/2026.

With this purchase, Arua joins other cities and municipalities including Lira, Mbale, Mbarara, Nansana, Makindye, and Kira that have procured road equipment using their own revenue.

The commissioning at Arua City headquarters was attended by Ministry of Local Government officials, city technical and political leaders, private sector representatives, and members of the community.