Hon. Fred Byamukama, Minister of Works and Transport has concluded an inspection of the 72.5-kilometre Road Project, a strategic road network designed to improve connectivity, provide alternative routes and contribute to the decongestion of Kampala and surrounding areas.
The project comprises Nakawuka–Nateete (27km), Nakawuka–Kasanje–Mpigi (22km), Nakawuka–Mawagulunanzi–Junea (11km), Kasanje–Buwaya (9km), and Entebbe–Nakiwogo (3.5km). The network will provide important links between communities in Wakiso and Mpigi and connect traffic from western Uganda to Entebbe and the airport without necessarily passing through heavily congested sections of Kampala.
During the inspection, the Ministry identified land acquisition and compensation as major challenges affecting the pace of the project. Concerns were raised over alleged inflated land and property valuations, structures reportedly put up to attract higher compensation and suspected fictitious graves included in compensation claims.
The inspection further established that some land parcels had allegedly been valued at figures significantly higher than prevailing rates in the respective areas. In one cited case, an acre reportedly valued at about Shs65 million was allegedly inflated to as much as Shs2 billion, raising serious concerns over potential loss of public funds.
Following investigations, two Ministry officials involved in the land acquisition process have been arrested in connection with the alleged irregularities. Investigations are continuing, with the Ministry working alongside the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to establish the full extent of the alleged malpractice and identify other individuals involved.
The inspection also identified cases where compensation claims were allegedly supported by questionable structures and purported graves. The Ministry has warned that individuals found to have deliberately manipulated compensation claims or colluded with public officials to defraud Government will be held accountable in accordance with the law.
To minimise unnecessary compensation costs, the Minister directed engineers to review and redesign sections of the road alignment where technically feasible, particularly where an alternative alignment can be achieved without compromising road safety, connectivity or engineering standards.
The Ministry has also called upon professional regulatory bodies, including the Engineers Registration Board and the Surveyors Registration Board, to ensure that their members adhere to professional and ethical standards in the execution of public projects.
The Ministry appreciates residents and other stakeholders who have provided information to support the investigations and encourages the public to continue reporting suspected corruption and abuse of public resources.
The inspection has concluded, while follow-up actions, investigations and measures to address the identified challenges continue, with the Ministry emphasizing its commitment to protecting public funds, ensuring value for money and delivering quality road infrastructure to Ugandans.