By Ben Musanje
The Inspectorate of Government has intensified oversight of the Busega-Mpigi Expressway, one of Uganda’s key infrastructure projects, following concerns over delays, encroachment, and questions over value for money. Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG) Anna Twinomugisha Muhairwe, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, and technical teams, on Tuesday conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing works.
Speaking after the visit, DIGG Muhairwe noted that while some delays are understandable and beyond the control of the contractors, the exercise revealed tangible progress on the ground. “We had a meeting this morning with technocrats from the Ministry of Works, the engineers that are doing the work, and we decided to come on a tour to see what is on the ground. We are almost convinced with the explanation that they gave,” she said.
The inspection comes after widespread complaints that the contractor had allegedly abandoned the project. Muhairwe clarified that significant work had indeed been carried out, emphasizing that delays were not solely the fault of either the contractor or the Ministry of Works. The DIGG added that the government would continue to support all stakeholders to ensure that the project is delivered on schedule.
Escalation and Stakeholder Engagement
During the visit, Muhairwe highlighted the need for robust engagement with key stakeholders, including the Office of the Attorney General, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), and the Ministry of Finance. “We hope to engage more with all the relevant stakeholders to ensure that this work, which is time-bound, is properly monitored. We stand to lose much more than we have already invested as a country if all the duty-bearers don’t do their part,” she said.
A recurring concern raised during the visit was the treatment of local Ugandans employed on the project. While previous complaints suggested that contractors had not treated workers humanely, Muhairwe noted that records show that payments were being made, and worker safety is being considered. She promised continued monitoring to ensure compliance with labor standards.
Encroachment Concerns
Encroachment along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) corridor and the expressway’s land boundaries was another issue highlighted during the inspection. Muhairwe expressed dissatisfaction with explanations provided by the Ministry of Works, warning that some citizens had taken advantage of the delays to construct buildings within the project corridor. “There are fresh houses that have been built illegally. We are going to publicize this in the media and trace the owners to prevent them from exploiting the process,” she said.
Transparency in land valuation for the expressway was also flagged as a concern. Muhairwe observed discrepancies in the value of land parcels in the same location and time period, signaling potential malpractice. “Whoever is involved in this will be held accountable,” she warned, underscoring the government’s commitment to fairness in compensation for affected persons.
Engineering Challenges and Longevity of Roads
Engineers from the Ministry of Works and Transport, including Eng. Godfrey Bihemaiso, Assistant Commissioner Roads, Consumer and Rehabilitation noted that some delays in road construction projects across the country are linked to technical issues and long-term planning. Eng. Bihemaiso explained that the lifespan of roads is heavily influenced by proper maintenance regimes. “Our roads are designed to last 15 to 20 years, but if routine and periodic maintenance are not done, deterioration is inevitable,” he said.
He also noted that periodic maintenance had suffered in the past due to funding shortages but assured that recent government budget adjustments would address this. “His Excellency increased the budget to 1.6 trillion shillings to ensure proper maintenance of major road links,” Bihemaiso confirmed.
Funding and Project Timelines
The Busega-Mpigi Expressway, spanning 23.7 kilometers, is financed through a combination of government funds and a loan from the African Development Bank. Construction stalled in early 2025 due to funding gaps, delaying progress on what is considered a critical link between Kampala and Mpigi.
In December 2025, the African Development Bank approved an additional €217 million (approximately Shs909 billion) to facilitate project completion. With the new funding, negotiations on an addendum to the original contract are expected to conclude by May 30, enabling construction to resume.
Eng. Bihemaiso clarified that, including the original contract sum of Shs547 billion, total funding for the project now stands at Shs1.3 trillion, with Shs500 billion already released. “We expect an additional Shs900 billion to ensure the project is completed. We are committed to paying all Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) to prevent further delays,” he said.
Of the 4,270 PAPs identified, approximately 80 percent have been compensated, with the remaining Shs30.5 billion set aside for final payments. Legal disputes and family conflicts among some PAPs have contributed to delays, prompting the Ministry to engage the Attorney General to deposit funds in court to facilitate timely compensation.
Project Design and Infrastructure Planning
Contract Manager in the Ministry of Works and Transport Eng. Isaac Ssekubunga provided additional details on the expressway’s design, emphasizing the scale and economic potential of the project. The main expressway will feature four lanes, a 3-meter median, and four interchanges connecting community roads to the toll-operated highway. Link roads totaling 21 kilometers are also planned to maximize toll revenue, along with four toll plazas located at Busega, Kyengera, Maya, and Lungala.
To enhance safety and traffic management, the entire expressway will be fenced off, with access limited to the interchanges. Street lighting will be provided along the entire stretch of 26.7 kilometers. Ssekubunga stressed that the project is designed with both current traffic needs and future economic growth in mind.
Monitoring and Accountability
DIGG Muhairwe announced that the Inspectorate of Government would continue regular inspections, with the next visit scheduled within six months. “Being on the ground makes it easier to ensure that duty-bearers do what they are supposed to do,” she said. Muhairwe also emphasized the importance of long-term planning in infrastructure projects, noting that many roads in Uganda have shorter lifespans due to insufficient foresight in construction design and maintenance planning.
The DIGG’s office will continue engaging the Ministry of Works, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that funding, land acquisition, and legal processes do not hinder the timely completion of the expressway. “The contractor has assured us that by May 30, the addendum will be signed, and work can continue. We will follow through to make sure all stakeholders are informed and accountable,” Muhairwe stated.
Economic and Social Implications
The Busega-Mpigi Expressway is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion along the Kampala–Masaka corridor, a route notorious for gridlock and delays. Once completed, the expressway is projected to improve travel times, facilitate trade, and enhance safety for commuters. The project also represents a major investment in Uganda’s transport infrastructure, with far-reaching benefits for economic development, urban expansion, and regional connectivity.
Conclusion
While the Busega-Mpigi Expressway project has faced numerous challenges, including funding delays, legal disputes, and land encroachment, government oversight and renewed financial support have put the project back on track. With close monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and robust compensation mechanisms for affected persons, officials are optimistic that the expressway will be completed by the targeted date of December 30, 2028.
The ongoing collaboration between the Inspectorate of Government, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and the contracted Chinese firms—China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Railway 19th Bureau Group Company Limited—demonstrates a coordinated approach to addressing past inefficiencies and ensuring value for money. For Ugandans, the completion of this expressway represents a crucial step toward modernizing the country’s road infrastructure and easing the persistent transport challenges that have long hindered economic growth. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
