On the 18^th of May, 2024, The Moroto Regional Materials Laboratory was commissioned by the State Minister for Works, Hon. Musa Ecweru. Also present were the Engineer in Chief, Eng.Samson Bagonza, District Leadership, and several Members of Parliament from the region.

The Moroto laboratory joins a series of similar projects, including the Central Materials Laboratory in Kireka and a regional laboratory in Hoima, expected to be completed by FY 2024/25. These facilities are essential in updating road and bridge construction specifications and implementing regulatory frameworks for the Roads Act (2019).

The State Minister for Works, Hon. Musa Ecweru expressed his gratitude to the Contractor M/S King Albert Constructions Ltd, the Moroto District Local Government the beneficiary community, and all stakeholders for their dedication and cooperation, which were instrumental in the timely completion of the project.

He remarked that regardless of the different challenges, the local community's active participation and active collaboration was particularly valuable in achieving this milestone.

The Minister also promised that, the Ministry shall ensure the laboratory is adequately equipped and staffed to support the construction industry and manufacturing in the Karamoja subregion as well as tarmac the access road to ensure it is motorable whatever the weather.

At a cost of UGX 2,296,170,103, the facility boasts a comprehensive array of structures, including a main laboratory block, staff residences, waterborne toilet blocks, a generator house, a gatehouse/power room, a septic tank, waterworks, parking areas, and a perimeter wall. This lab will significantly benefit the construction industry in Karamoja and surrounding districts by providing essential material testing and research services, eliminating the need to transport samples to distant laboratories in Mbale, Jinja, and Kampala.

This initiative reflects the government's broader commitment to decentralizing quality infrastructure development. The Ministry is also undertaking the rehabilitation and expansion of the Central Materials Laboratory in Kireka, enhancing its role as a regional testing and training hub for highway engineers.

Furthermore, plans are afoot to construct and upgrade laboratories in ten additional cities and major towns, including Arua, Kabale, and Lira, as outlined in NDP-IV, ensuring nationwide coverage and support for construction quality control.

“The commissioning of the Moroto Regional Materials Testing Laboratory stands as a testament to the NRM Government’s commitment to improving the socio-economic well-being of Ugandans, fostering security, regional integration, and economic development in the Karamoja sub-region”, remarked the Minister.

Arua Airstrip which is strategically located in the tri-state border of Uganda, DRC and South Sudan thus serving as a key infrastructure for cross border trade has been gazetted for upgrade into an International Airport.

The Airport is one of the busiest regional/ domestic airports in the country with a monthly average of 170 aircraft movements and 12,000 passengers.

On 28^th February, 2024, the Minister of Works and Transport, General Katumba Wamala signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Private Developer East of Eden for the development of Arua Airstrip into an International Airport under a Build, Operate, and Transfer Model.

Owing to this expansion agenda, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority commenced the land acquisition process and by 2015/16 98% of the Project Affected Persons had been compensated for land measuring approximately 182.24 Acres. Only 5 PAPs have yet to be resettled citing absentee landlords, claims of undervaluation of property but these are soon to be resolved.

Upon invitation by the Anyivu Constituency area MP, Hon. Geoffrey Feta, the Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Byamukama visited Arua Airfield. The Minister was accompanied by the Director of Transport, Benon Kajuna and the Director General UCAA, Fred Bamwesigye to meet with Arua City leadership. The Minister was welcomed by the Arua City Resident Commissioner, the Mayor, Area Member of Parliament, and local council leaders to discuss Project Affected Persons issues with regards to land acquisition.

The State Minister listened to the Project affected Persons concerns and toured the facility including the PAPs sites with a view of coming to a quick resolution of these issues so as to enable the Aviation Authority take charge of the land to enable developments.

On conclusion of the inspection and discussions, Hon. Byamukama gave a directive to the Uganda Civila Aviation Authority to ensure that the PAPs issues are looked into and resolved within the next three months and he promised to visit the Airstrip once again to ensure that the resolutions that had been arrived at are being enacted.

Hon. Fred Byamukama, The State Minister for Transport while playing his oversight role, visited the Uganda Driving Licenses Facility on the 21^st of February, to inspect its operational aspects. The Minister had previously visited the facility in August 2021.

While visiting the facility, the Minister went further to renew his driving license. He noted that service provision had been greatly enhanced. Citing his personal experience as both an applicant and client, the Minister rated the services at a level of 99% efficiency. He noted that the streamlined process took him just about 25 minutes. The facility boasts of an all-Ugandan workforce, comprising 125 dedicated employees.

He called upon Ugandans, particularly politicians and high-ranking civil servants, to ensure they obtain driving licenses, emphasizing the collaboration with the police to maintain sanity on the roads.

The Minister has personally championed efforts to enhance road safety including extending driving licensing mobile services extending to the Albertine region. Overall, the Mobile services to the Districts and towns has resulted in 11,826 people getting registered since commencement.

 The World Health Organization has reported alarming statistic of 16 deaths on a daily basis resulting from death crushes which has prompted intensified regulation of driving school curriculums by the Ministry in charge of Transport Regulations.

The Minister of State for Works, Hon. Musa Echweru, Commissioned the MV Mpungu on the 21st of February, 2024.
The Name Mpungu is a luganda word meaning Eagle which the Minister said was befitting of the large water vessel.
The ship is a 96-meter-long roll-on roll-off freight vessel that will be operating on Lake Victoria. She will be docking at Port Bell in Uganda and operating to Mwanza in Tanzania and Kisumu in Kenya. She will be docking at Port Bell in Uganda and operating to Mwanza in Tanzania and Kisumu in Kenya.
The vessel has the capacity to carry up to 21 cargo trucks. The ship will make its maiden voyage in April this year and will see trade links between Uganda and neighboring Tanzania greatly strengthened.
In comparison to the three to four days of road transport from Uganda's Capital Kampala to Kwanza, the southern edge of the lake in Tanzania, the MV Mpungu will take just 18 hours.

A crucial driver training program is underway at Heritage Park in Garuga, with 108 drivers from key government institutions, including the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), Statehouse, Electoral Commission, Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Health forming the first batch. The comprehensive training, organized in preparation for the Non-Aligned Movement Summit/G77 scheduled for January 2024, is a vital step in ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation during the high-profile event.

The Institute of Security and Intelligent Studies (ISIS) at Heritage Park in Garuga is hosting the first batch of drivers, marking the beginning of an eight-batch training initiative that will span two months. The government has allocated vehicles from the official fleet and received additional support in the form of vehicle donations from China.

A primary focus of the training is instilling driver discipline, not only for the duration of the summit but as a continuous practice for all government drivers. The participating drivers will spend four days at Heritage Park, engaging in a two-day theoretical session followed by two days of practical training. This rigorous approach aims to minimize the risk of mishaps when transporting diplomats and dignitaries attending the twin summits.

Course units cover various aspects, including stress management, discipline, cleanliness, and a sense of responsibility. The Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) is coordinating the training efforts to ensure uniformity and effectiveness.

During the practical training the focus on appropriate speeds, convoy driving, defensive driving techniques, and the specific aspects of handling Protocol vehicles donated to the Government of Uganda by China.

During the practical sessions, trainers from the Uganda Police Force (UPF) assessed drivers' skills and acumen. The evaluation process determines the drivers' qualifications to operate VIP vehicles during the summit. Each driver underwent a thorough assessment, ensuring a high standard of competence for the crucial task of transporting dignitaries.

The successful completion of the first batch's training and the individual practical assessments by UPF training officers mark a significant milestone in the preparations for the Non-Aligned Movement Summit/G77. The commitment to excellence in driver training underscores the importance placed on the safety and efficiency of transportation during this high-profile international event.

The Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Uganda and Saudi Arabia was signed on 10th November 2023 in Riyadh, on the sidelines of the Saudi-Africa Summit.

The Agreement will facilitate airlines of both Countries, such as Uganda Airlines, Saudia, Flynas, etc, with respect to the operation of scheduled international air services.

This development will lead to great benefits for both countries with the reduction in airfares and an increase in both cargo and passenger traffic volumes owing to convenient direct flights,

Uganda was represented by officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) and Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), led by Mr. Benon Kajuna, Director of Transport while Saudi Arabia was represented by officials from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), led by Mr. Ali Mohammed Rajab, Executive Vice President of Air Transport and International Cooperation.

In a significant move towards enhancing rural accessibility and supporting economic activities, UGX 9.3 billion has been allocated for the low-cost sealing of Getom-Toroma Road in Katakwi District. The Vice President Jessica Alupo, who doubles as the Woman MP Katakwi District, presided over the commissioning of the road construction works.

In a statement delivered by the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Eng. Stepghen Kitonsa on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, it was highlighted that the low-cost sealing technology, piloted at Mt. Elgon Labour Based Training Centre in Mbale and tested in various districts of North and North Eastern Uganda from 2011 to 2016, has proven to be a cost-effective solution for sealing low-volume roads using locally available resources.

The Getom-Toroma Road, spanning 7.0 kilometers, was selected due to its status as a low-volume road facing rural accessibility challenges. The project comes at a strategic time, following the recent rehabilitation of several crucial road links in Katakwi District, including Usuk-Ngongoja, Akureti-Omodo, Oigo-Imumwa, Getom-Abongeti, and Olilim-Guyaguya-Angelepo-Adacar.

Hon. Musa Acweru, the Minister of State for Works expressed gratitude to the government, particularly acknowledging the guidance of H.E. the Vice President in the selection of the project. The Minister also praised the tireless support provided by the government for the development of infrastructure in Katakwi District, emphasizing the importance of visionary leadership.

The appeal was made to the contractor assigned to the project, urging them to adhere to contract designs, specifications, and instructions issued by supervisors. Furthermore, the contractor was encouraged to prioritize local employment opportunities and consider environmental, gender, HIV/AIDS, occupational health and safety, as well as the needs of people with disabilities and the elderly.

In addition to discussing the road project, H.E Jessica Alupo, urged citizens to actively participate in the recently introduced Parish Development Model (PDM). The PDM aims to transform subsistence economy homes into money economy homes, fostering increased interaction between the government and citizens. It is seen as a mechanism to bring public services closer to the people in a more coordinated and effective manner.

The commissioning ceremony concluded with the speakers expressing gratitude to the technical team of the Ministry for their efforts in making the Low-Cost Sealing Technology roll-out a reality. The Minister also thanked the District Leadership and attendees for their presence at the historic function, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation in the development of the region.

In a momentous assembly, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Robbinah Nabbanja presided over the 3^rd Integrated Transport Infrastructure and Services (ITIS) Programme Review Workshop, drawing together a distinguished and diverse array of participants from various sectors. The gathering included Hon. Ministers, Members of Parliament, Development Partners, District Political Leaders, Civil Society Representatives, the Academic Community, the Private Sector, the Media, and Senior Government Officials.

Expressing delight at the diversity and influence of the attendees, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister highlighted the workshop's significance as a testament to an unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Integrated Transport and Infrastructure Services (ITIS) Programme review workshop is spearheaded by the Ministry of Works and Transport and constitutes UNRA, UCAA, URC, URF, KCCA, UNACL, NBRB, EACAA, Engineers Registration Board, and UNABCEC.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bageya Waiswa stated that the workshop’s theme, "Enhance the Stock and Optimize Multi-modal Transport Connectivity for Sustainable Socio-economic Development," encapsulates the vision of a seamless, safe, inclusive, and sustainable multi-modal transport system.

The Permanent Secretary also remarked about the ITIS Programme pivotal role in advancing socio-economic development through enhanced transport connectivity. The workshop participants engaged in a thorough assessment of the programme's journey, marked by both opportunities and challenges.

Aligned with national policies, the workshop adheres to the National Policy on Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation and the Monitoring and Evaluation Guidelines for the National Development Plan III. The agenda included presentations on the progress of the ITIS Programme, the Annual Programme Performance Report for FY 2022/23, and the programme's performance assessed by the Budget Monitoring and Accountability Unit of the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development.

In his address, the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Musa Echweru outlined the objectives of the review workshop which included, appraising stakeholders on the implementation progress of the action points arrived at during the 2nd ITIS-Programme Review Workshop, review of the performance of the ITIS Programme for the previous FY 2022/23 and arriving at decisions on future priority actions. The workshop is also meant to identify constraints, challenges, and solutions to programme performance.

The Minister further detailed significant milestones in legislation, policies, and strategies under the ITIS Programme, emphasizing the commitment to shaping a reliable and safe transport infrastructure for socio-economic transformation.

Acknowledging challenges faced during the period under review, such as road safety concerns, climate change impacts, low funding for road maintenance, and delayed project commencements, the Minister urged collaboration, innovation, and determination for optimizing multi-modal transport connectivity.

The workshop concluded with a commitment to the goals outlined in the National Development Plan III, ensuring continued progress in various projects essential for the country's development.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has inaugurated Uganda's inaugural railway concrete sleeper factory, situated in Kawolo, Lugazi, Buikwe. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the nation's quest for economic integration, independence, and self-sufficiency, a vision that President Museveni has long advocated for.

The President commended Imathia Construction, led by its Chairman, Mr. Julian Garcia Velverde, for their pivotal role in realizing this vision. He emphasized the importance of building an economy that is self-reliant, emphasizing that this endeavor was crucial to addressing the ongoing challenges faced by many African nations.

President Museveni highlighted the significance of the railway system for Uganda's development and noted the importance of manufacturing key components locally. He expressed gratitude to Imathia for their contribution and revealed that the government was in the final stages of establishing Uganda's steel industry. This initiative would enable the domestic production of rails, a critical component in railway construction.

Furthermore, the President underlined the need for rails, particularly for the Standard Gauge Railway, and shared plans for developing the country's steel industry in Kabale. This endeavor aimed to provide the required high-quality steel not only for Uganda but also for other East African regions.

Mr. Julian Garcia Velverde, Chairman of Imathia Construction, extended his appreciation to President Museveni, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and the Board and Management of Uganda Railways Corporation for their support and hospitality. He highlighted that the railway concrete sleeper factory employed a predominantly local workforce and expressed confidence that it would eventually become entirely Ugandan-operated.

Mr. Garcia also advocated for the use of concrete sleepers in Uganda's railway infrastructure, citing their advantages in safety, comfort, speed, and reduced maintenance costs compared to steel sleepers. He mentioned that Imathia was already engaged in renovating the Kampala-Mukono railway line and assured the President of their commitment to completing the project on schedule.

Moreover, Mr. Garcia emphasized the factory's capability to supply sleepers for all railway rehabilitation projects across the country. The factory, staffed by over 90 percent Ugandans, boasts a daily production capacity of 208-meter gauge concrete sleepers for the refurbishment of the Kampala-Namanve-Mukono railway line.

On the 13^th of September, the Ministry had the honor of hosting H.E Hidemoto Fukuzawa, the Japanese Ambassador to Uganda. The meeting was chaired by Hon.Katumba Wamala and attended by representatives from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Project's Steering Committee, the Project Contractor, and Komatsu.

The meeting was held to review the progress of the construction of the Mechanical Engineering Training & Advisory Center (METRAC).

The training center is currently under construction in Luwero and is scheduled for handover in January 2024.

At the close of the meeting, Ambassador Fukuzawa, handed over a van acquired for the facilitation of the training center activities to the Minister.