The Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Gen. Katumba Wamala on the 16^th of June, 2022 inaugurated the 1^st National Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Committee. This Committee has been formed in line with the Search and Rescue (SAR) Plan which has been prepared in accordance with international guidelines of ICAO/IMO.

The National Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Committee will oversee the National Search and Rescue Plan and coordinate Search and Rescue matters.

The Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Committee will have a Steering Committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Works and Transport, and a Technical Committee chaired by the Director of Transport.

The Government of Uganda is a member State of both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These are specialized International Organizations of the United Nations responsible for regulating transport safety and security of aviation and maritime sectors globally.

These two Organizations have together developed a joint ICAO/IMO International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual whose primary purpose is to assist Member States like Uganda in meeting their own Search and Rescue needs.

The Ministry under Maritime Administration is implementing the Multi National Lake Victoria Maritime Communication and Transport (MLVMCT) Project majorly to establish Search and Rescue facilities (at Lake Victoria, Albert and Kyoga) and a Maritime Training Institute at the Fisheries Training Institute (FTI) in Entebbe.

It has also set up a call center at Fisheries Training Centre to receive distress calls from persons on water transport using a toll-free code 110 from any network. Additionally, construction works for the establishment of nine Search and Rescue Centres are planned to commence in the coming Quarter.

For the maritime sector, improving Uganda`s Search and Rescue capabilities will significantly improve safety of our people and make Uganda`s maritime sector more attractive for private investment to achieve the much-desired modal growth.

The Engineering Directorate Held its 3rd review meeting on the 16th of June, 2022. The meeting brought together officers from the four departments under the directorate; The Departments of Construction Standards and Quality Management, Public Structures, Roads and Bridges and Mechanical Engineering Services.

The meeting was officially opened by the State Minister for Works, Hon. Musa Ecweru who represented the Minister of Works and Transport. The Minister emphasized the Engineering Directorate’s great role in ensuring the success of the Parish development model especially since it had a Division that is charged with the responsibility of ensuring interconnectivity at the grass root levels.

The Director of Engineering Works, Eng. Samson Bagonza stressed the importance of holding the review meeting bi-annually as the review provides for work performance improvement and devising ways and means for timely mitigation of constraints and challenges.

As part of the recommendations arrived at, the meeting resolved to look more into research and innovation in close collaboration with institutions of learning. The meeting reported that currently, technologies such as road Rapid, Cobblestone and Probase are being piloted with a view of ascertaining if they are applicable in the Ugandan context for low volume roads.

It was also highly recommended that going forward, the Ministry works with stakeholders to green the road corridors across the country.

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority in conjunction with the Ministry of Works and Transport has held a workshop at Soroti, 30 May 2021.

The objective of the workshop is to sensitise the stakeholders on how to improve the Search and Rescue services(SAR) in Uganda and enhance mutual understanding.

Soroti has a SAR subcentre covering Eastern and Northern Uganda. Participants include officials from UPDAF, East African Civil Aviation Academy, Maritime section under Ministry of Works and Transport and UCAA.

The State Minister for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama inspected the facilities at the Ntoroko Border Port on the 28^th of April, 2022. While there, he noted that DRC being a key trading partner for Uganda, with exports including both manufactured goods and agricultural goods necessitated the upgrading of the landing site to a Port.  

The Ntoroko lake port, located at Kanara Landing site on has been upgraded by trade Mark East Africa at a Project cost of $3.2m. Before rehabilitation, the lake port was characterized by poor lake port infrastructure and port inefficiencies which resulted in a poor environment for handling and processing of goods and people.

The project contract was awarded to Ambitious Construction Company Limited for implementation between 2018 and 2022. The Port was completed in April 2022 and is due for handover to Uganda Revenue Authority for operationalization. Ntoroko port deals with transit goods from Busia, Malaba, Kasese and Kampala towards Bunia in DR Congo.

While on the Monitoring visit, the local leaders including ntoroko District Woman MP Anne Mary Kobugabe, the LC V Chairperson William kisoro made appeals to the Minister to look into the upgrading of the 51km stretch from karugutu to Kanara from murram to bitumen standard. They cited the great potential of the area from tourism (The Semliki National Park) to agriculture and leading to the Border Port.

Once the port becomes operational, it is expected that there will be a reduction in cargo clearance costs by 15%.

In fact, trade with DRC surpasses trade with all other East African countries. It is this great potential that necessitated the improvement of the border infrastructure at the Ntoroko border port to facilitate movement of goods and people.

Hon. Grace Kwiyucwiny, the State Minister for Northern Uganda commissioned gem Farm Bridge located in Atiak Sub-County, Amuru district on the 3^rd of March, 2022.

In 2018, an investor by the names Horyal Investment Holdings Company Ltd. made a proposal to the government for land to be given in Atiak, Amuru District for the firm to commence growing of sugarcane with the primary objective of setting up a factory to produce sugar.

In line with the NDP III, one of the ways in which employment is sought to be created is through industrialization. Accordingly, Government was very receptive when M/s Horyal Investment Holdings Company Ltd. proposed a partnership to build a sugar factory in Amuru; availability of sizeable arable land being seen as a key factor that could contribute towards success of the venture.

According to the Permanent Secretary’s Project report read by the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Eng. Steven Kitonsa, the perceived benefits of the project were multi-fold. Employment would be created for those directly working in the factory; sugarcane out growers would have a steady market; there would be sugar for export leading to the country earning foreign currency and the livelihood of the people in this Northern region would be improved.

Once the land was secured, the Ministry was requested to urgently assist in providing a bridge across River Unyama in the vicinity of the factory at Pacilo. The bridge would reduce the distance that out growers would have to transport their sugarcane to the factory by about 35km.

The Ministry contracted M/S marvel Contractors and Road Maintenance Ltd, a local firm to construct a bailey bridge. The works commenced in September, 2018 and were complete by august 2019; with a defects liability period that ended in July 202. The contractor carried out the works at a sum of UGX 1,918,313,620.

The 30m span Gem Farm Bridge seats across River Unyama providing a direct link to about 15,000acres of sugarcane out growers from the Districts of Lamwo, Gulu and Adjumani.

While commissioning the bridge, Hon. Kwiyucwiny noted that the land under suger cane cultivation is relatively large allowing for diversification.

“This project undoubtedly has the potential to contribute significantly towards the socio-economic transformation of this region; and make for hastening the country’s attainment of the middle income status,” she said.

“I would like, therefore, to call upon M/s Horyal Investment Holdings Co. Ltd. to manage this enterprise very well. This should include good quality products, good marketing skills and strategies, fair prices given to farmers, support with seed and other inputs at fair prices where possible, and diversification of products from only producing sugar,” the Minister added.

The First Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga officially commissioned Ojonai Bridge and Dam located in Apedur Sub-county in Amuria District on the 9^th of March 2022.

The Bridge provides access from Soroti to the Grad-A weekly market at Akoromit Sub-county in Kapelebyong District. It also connects to the road from Amuria to Asamuk in Katakwi District and ultimately to the road from Soroti to Moroto District.

While handing over the Bridge and rehabilitated Dam, the first Deputy Prime Minister noted that the government recognized the important role that District and community access roads play in the socio-economic development of the country.

“Apart from National Roads, Government recognizes the great importance of District and community access roads, accordingly, more and more funds are being committed towards interventions on these road networks,” she said.

The Bridge construction works commenced on 17 June, 2019 and were substantially completed by 19 November, 2019 within the planned project period and contract sum. Upon completion, the project remained under the defects liability period until 19 November, 2020.

The previously existing crossing at the location lacked capacity to control the river’s flooding, using vehicles during the rainy season was risky and a number of fatalities caused by flooding were recorded.

The appropriate intervention was to build a 3-Cell box culvert, relief culverts and a retention dam. The works for the bridge were tendered out to SAED Technical Services Ltd, a local contractor, and construction works were carried out at a cost of UGX 1,943,404,540.

The scope of works included the construction of a Triple cell Box culvert (3m*3m), the construction of relief culverts (53m), construction of gravel approach roads (500m either side).

Additional works included River training and protection works including erosion protection of embankments; and the Re-construction of the dilapidated dam with a water capacity of up to 100,000m³.

The Dam was originally built in 1942 by the Colonial Native Administration, however, the local Government had since failed to maintain the dam rendering it dysfunctional. As a result, the local community lost their livestock.

As part of the project, the dam was reconstructed. The Dam receives water from nine streams in the Awoja water catchment. This water is utilized for production by the local population thus a means of livelihood.

The Commissioner for Roads and Bridges remarked that since its completion, the Bridge has served its intended purpose of controlling floods and providing safe passage during heavy rainfall. Previously connectivity between areas of Ayola and Apeduru from Asamuk Health Center (III) would be cut off by floods. The Dam is providing water for production and a means of livelihood for the local community.

The Deputy Speaker asked the people of Amuria to guard the bridge and dam jealously in order for the local communities and the country at large to derive maximum benefits from this investment.

“Specifically, there is need to guard against theft and vandalism of bridge furniture like handrails and road signs as well as other elements such as gabion boxes,” she said.

Information disclosure, consultation and participation have been undertaken by the ONEC 3 consultants on behalf of African Development Bank as part of the preparation of this ESMP and supported by subsequent due diligence activities undertaken by benefiting States of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. In addition, individual States are engaged in an ongoing consultation process which will continue during the Project construction and operation phase.

Public disclosure, consultation and participation process was initiated early in the feasibility stage and project inception with the affected public who were informed about proposed project through communications to and through local government. During the subsequent study implementation and preparation of this ESMP, the consultants undertook extensive stakeholder and public consultations. In addition, during surveys field officials met people and informed them about the location of project. The disclosure and consultation process were undertaken in accordance with “Public Consultation and Information Disclosure Guidelines”.

The level of engagement varied amongst stakeholders with some registering minor comments and other proving more detailed feedback. Much of the consultation to date has focused around concerns on the project alignment, mitigation of construction impacts, and potential side effects from proximity to project. Stakeholder viewpoints have been considered and their concerns and suggestions for possible improvements, where appropriate, have been included. It is important to note that no stakeholders have registered any outright opposition to the Project.

Considering that the disclosure process continues, I hereby disclose the ESMP for Multinational Lake Victoria Maritime Communications and Transport

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN SUMMARY

The motor vehicle service bay at the Ministry headquarters received a facelift courtesy of Vivo Energy Uganda Limited. In 2020, the oil marketing company offered to fully finance the rehabilitation and installation of a state of the art lubrication equipment system with a metered air tyre inflation system for use at the Central Mechanical workshop.

The Ministry Top Leadership unanimously approved this proposal leading to the signing of a MoU between the Ministry and Vivo Energy Uganda limited in August 2021.

One month later, refurbishment works commenced and on the 9^th of March 2022, as part of the celebrations for Women’s Day, the Ministry staff and top leadership gathered to commission the revamped service bay.

The speakers at the ceremony were keen to note that the service bay refurbishment works were led by female engineers hence the commissioning fitting well into the Women’s Day celebration theme.

“The whole project was spearheaded by the Assistant Commissioner/Inspection who is a lady. Among those who were trained to do the service of vehicles was a lady too; thereby ensuring that gender balance is mainstreamed into the Ministry’s operations,” said the Engineer in Chief, Samson Bagonza who represented the Permanent Secretary.

This year, Women’s Day was celebrated under the theme; "Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow," the theme, highlighted the constraints to our country’s development brought about by gender inequalities, negative attitudes towards work, mindsets, cultural practices and perceptions.

The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala emphasized that these must be addressed in order to achieve sustainable and equitable development.

“Gender inequality can only be addressed through partnerships at different levels between men and women, as well as partnerships between various sectors and actors in the development process,” said the Minister.

The Minister also commended Vivo Energy’s participation and partnership in Road Safety initiatives which also greatly contribute to the Ministry’s mandate of ensuring a safe, inclusive and sustainable transport system.

“A sound and well-maintained motor vehicle fleet is pivotal for attaining this overarching mandate. Therefore, the revamp of the Ministry's Service Bay by Vivo Energy Uganda Ltd, will ensure enhanced availability of the fleet and hence the smooth execution of our mandate,” he emphasized.

The Cabinet Minister for National Security and Member of Parliament for Rujumbura County, Rukungiri District officially commissioned Kyabahanga Bridge on the 24^th of Feb, 2022.

Kyabahanga Bridge is at the border between Rukungiri and Kanungu Districts. On the Rukungiri side is Karuhisi village in Irima Parish, Kicuzi Sub county while on the Kanungu side is Kagarama Village in Kyabakara Parish, Kyabakara Sub-county. The bridge provides access across River Kyabahanga.

Kyabahanga Bridge was constructed under the Rural Bridges Infrastructure Development Project, a flagship project introduced in FY 2019/2021, fully funded by the government of Uganda and implemented through the Ministry of Works and Transport.

The works for the construction of the Bridge commenced on 30^th July 2019 and works were substantially completed by 2020. The contract works were tendered to M/s Armpass Technical Services to undertake construction works of the bridge at a contract amount of UGX 10.4 billion.

The main structure comprised of a 3-span 30m long reinforced concrete bridge, significant river training and channel protection using gabions.

While the original completion date was 29 July, 2020, River Kyabahanga’s considerable catchment area, its meandering nature and huge deposits of soil that left the stable foundation layers buried to significant depths posed technical challenges in the construction of the Bridge.

Mainly as a result of the inconsistent nature and apparent weak foundation soils, provision was made in the contract for design review following additional geotechnical investigations in the river course. These would have to take place after a platform for the drilling rig would be constructed.

Additionally, 4.4 km and 10.4 km on the Rukungiri and Kanungu sides respectively were graded; with spot gravelling.

While addressing the gathering at the bridge commissioning, Maj.Gen. Jim Muhwezi commended the local construction company’s professional execution of the contract.

“In this respect, I would like to sincerely thank the Contractor for a very good performance exhibited. This goes a long way in demonstrating that the local construction industry has high potential; especially if local firms possess self determination to synergize with Governments policy of promoting local content”, Said the Cabinet Minister.

The construction of the bridge has had profound benefits to the communities including, reduced travel distance, culminating in reduced fares and freight charges, improved and safe access to social facilities like schools for children and health facilities.

The Engineer in Chief, Samson Bagonza, represented the Permanent Secretary at the occasion. He noted that the two districts communities now have improved access to markets for timber and agricultural produce like matooke and coffee, and will observe an increase in farm gate prices, a boost in tourism and a general improvement in the livelihoods of the populace.

“Prior to the construction of Kyabahanga Bridge, there had not been any engineered crossing; and the locals kept constructing makeshift structures using timber logs to straddle the two banks. As would be expected, these were frequently washed away during peak of rainy seasons; and worse still their risky nature would occasionally lead to some deaths,” he said.

The Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi, officially commissioned the Buhindagye Bridge on the 24^th of February 2022.

The bridge is at the border between Ibanda and Rubirizi Districts. On the Ibanda side is Karuhisi village in Irima Parish, Kicuzi Sub county while on the Rubirizi side is Kagarama Village in Kyabakara Parish, Kyabakara Sub-county. The bridge provides access across River Buhindagye.

Buhindagye Bridge was constructed under the Rural Bridges Infrastructure Development Project, a flagship project introduced in FY 2019/2021, fully funded by the government of Uganda and implemented through the Ministry of Works and Transport.

The construction of the bridge commenced on 11^th of June 2019 and was completed in August, 2020 by contractor M/S Kabba (U) Limited at a project cost of 1,979,319,551 Ugx. The project scope included the construction of a 4*4 triple cell box culvert and the construction of approach roads of 1.5km on the Ibanda side and 4km on the Rubirizi side.

While officiating at the ceremony, the Deputy Attorney General noted that the Government recognizes the important role that district and community roads play in the socio-economic development of the country. According to him, this is the reason that more and more funds have been committed towards interventions on these road networks.

“It has been noted, however, that one of the main bottlenecks on these roads is the poor or non-existent bridging structures across various water bodies. Demand for such structures is actually high given that Uganda is endowed with many lakes, rivers, streams and swamps. Further, many of the bridging structures constructed during the colonial era have now exceeded their life spans and now need replacement,” Said Hon. Kafuuzi.

The firm that constructed the bridge, M/s Kabba Construction Ltd. is a local company, in tandem with Government’s policy of promoting local content particularly in the construction industry. The contractor, was engaged to carry out the construction at a cost of UGX 1,979,319,551. The scope of works included the Construction of a 3-cell box culvert spanning 12m; River training; River protection using gabions; and approach road construction of 1.3Km and 5.0 km on the Ibanda and Rubirizi sides respectively.

The two District Local Government officials commended government for responding to their plea to have a bridge installed at the location. They noted that with the bridge in place, transportation of agricultural produce can now be done safely and business transacted with ease between Kicuzi Sub County and Kyabakara Sub County in the two districts of Ibanda and Rubirizi. This should lead to socio-economic development of the area.

The Engineer in Chief, Eng. Samson Bagonza officiated at the commissioning in place of the Ministry of Works and Transport’s Permanent Secretary. He noted that the transport and infrastructure sector has a firm commitment to improve the social and economic wellbeing of all Ugandans in pursuance of the agenda of inclusive growth, development and social transformation.

“As the locals here can attest, construction of the bridge has had many profound benefits to the communities; including reduced travel distance by over 20km, culminating in reduced fares and freight charges. Improved and safe access to social facilities like schools and health facilities especially for the most vulnerable groups; i.e children and pregnant mothers,” noted Eng. Bagonza.

He also emphasized that the community now has improved access to markets for agricultural produce like matooke and coffee; as well as increase in farm gate prices.

The leaders collectively rallied the communities to guard against vandalism of bridge furniture like handrails and road signs; as well as other elements such as gabion wires.