Latest Posts

MPs Decry UGX 325Bn Road Loan Projects Over Escalating Costs, Inefficiencies

Recently, Uganda’s Parliament approved two loans totaling UGX325.117 billion to support the construction of critical road infrastructure, including the Laropi-Moyo-Afoji and Namagumba-Budadiri-Nalugugu roads. Despite receiving the green light, the decision sparked debates over escalating costs and project management inefficiencies.

The financing comprises a US$15.222 million (UGX56.001 billion) loan from the African Development Bank and a US$73.15 million (UGX269.115 billion) facility from the African Development Fund. Henry Musasizi, the Minister of State for Finance, presented the proposal, emphasizing the roads’ importance in enhancing regional connectivity and economic development.

During the debate, the Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on National Economy, John Bosco Ikojo, expressed unease over a 40% cost hike in the project budget. Initially estimated at US$263.54 million (UGX969.55 billion), the budget now stands at US$368.831 million (UGX1.356 trillion).

Ikojo noted specific issues such as land acquisition expenses rising from US$19.121 million to US$36.87 million a 93% increase despite no changes in the project’s scope. He also pointed out discrepancies in the Namagumba-Budadiri-Nalugugu road, which saw its length extended from 29km to 39km without prior parliamentary approval. Delays, design flaws, and inefficiencies in procurement were blamed for the mounting costs.

Concerns were also raised about the December 2024 restructuring of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), which was dissolved and its responsibilities transferred to the Ministry of Works and Transport. Legislators questioned the Ministry’s capacity to manage large-scale road projects, citing past challenges with similar institutional mergers, such as the incorporation of the Rural Electrification Agency into the Ministry of Energy.

A minority report by MP Hassan Kirumira (Katikamu South) opposed the loan approval. Kirumira criticized the committee’s failure to conduct on-ground inspections to verify the usage of previous funds, arguing that granting additional resources without clear accountability posed a risk of mismanagement.

“There’s no evidence to confirm how the earlier funds were utilized. Rushing to approve this loan without clarity is a disservice to taxpayers,” Kirumira stated.

The loans are expected to increase Uganda’s external debt by US$252.83 million, pushing the country’s total public debt to US$25.55 billion (UGX94.706 trillion) as of June 2024. This marks a 9.17% rise from the previous year. While Uganda is still categorized as having a moderate debt risk, experts cautioned that further economic instability could jeopardize debt sustainability.

Despite reservations, the Committee on National Economy highlighted the need to complete critical infrastructure projects to support economic growth. The approved loans are expected to expedite the construction of the two roads, which are considered vital for trade and access to social services in the affected regions.

The government now faces the challenge of addressing cost overruns and ensuring transparent project implementation as it navigates increasing scrutiny over public debt levels.

Loading

Don't Miss

EXPOSED! Muyenga Tycoon’s Maid Cited In Land Wrangle

In recent days, Muyenga, Y2K Zone a push Kampala suburb,

Parliament Orders Closure Of Fuelex Petrol Stations For Adulterating Fuel

The Parliamentary Committee on Trade And Industry led by Mbarara

Big Story: Parliament Probes UETCL Bosses Over Corruption, Mismanagement & Controversial UGX 28Billion Compensation Deal

Members of Parliament on the Committee on Environment and Natural

‘Back Off Buganda Land’ Kabaka Mutebi Castigates People Pushing For Abolition Of Mailo Land Tenure System

The Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has

Big Story: IGG Probes Over Shs1bn Ubos Fraud

The Inspector General of Government (IGG) is investigating top officials

EXPLOSIVE: How Speaker Kadaga & Confidant Hon. Okupa Spent Over US $764,000 (Shs2.8 BN) In-less Than 2 Years In Travels Abroad

Since taking office as Deputy Speaker of Parliament way back

Ham Vs DTB Appeal: Bank Of Uganda Runs Out Of Case, Leaves DTB To Carry Its Own Cross

Bank of Uganda has officially quit the case involving city

Amnesty International Joins Push To Free Presidential Runner Robert Kyagulanyi

The Ugandan authorities must immediately lift the police and military

Exporters Call For Strong Action Against EAC States’ Trade Barriers

Manufacturers have called on the government to impose tough measures

Big Story: How KCCA Officials Messed Up Youth Fund Programs, Stole Billions of Gov’t Funds In Shoddy Deals

Kampala: If there is any government Authority that frustrating President

I Predict Museveni, NRM Victory In 2021 Elections

By Faruk Kirunda Kampala: As we dive into the high

Crisis: Lord Mayor Lukwago Defies Court Order, Appoints Balondemu As Chairman K’la District Land Board

Veteran lawyer Hajji Elias Lukwago, who is the Kampala city

Scandal: Stanbic Bank Bosses Allegedly Steal Borrowers’ Land Titles, Mortgage Them To Dfcu Bank

Several officials at Stanbic Bank are in deep trouble after

Scandal: KCCA Officials On Spot For Blowing Shs 8Bn Under The Guise Of Renovating Old Tax Park

Several officials at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), are

Covid-19 Crisis: Ugandan Students Expected To Sit For UNEB Exams In March 2021

All indications are that a dead year will not be

BoU To Appeal In Supreme Court Over Trashed Crane Bank Case

The Bank of Uganda (BOU) has said it will be

Shame As Top Police Boss Is Convicted Of Car Theft, Ordered To Pay Over Shs282M

Untold shame has engulfed the Uganda Police a senior officer

Just In! Energy Mafias Rock Parliament As Patriotic Young Turks Question AIGP Akullo’s Involvement In Min. Energy Corruption

Panic has rocked Parliament as renowned Parliamentarian and Lawyer Hon.

Energy Mafias Debunked Part III: How Werikhe, Turyagyenda Corruptly Swindled Shs15 Bn For 3 Electricity Distribution Projects In Acholi, Bunyoro & Kiruhura

FUNDING THE COUP THROUGH ENERGY AND MINERALS CORRUPTION By the

Just In: Top Energy Officials Fired On Presidential Orders Over Massive Theft Of Electricity Distribution Funds

By Our Reporter Kampala: Two senior officials of Rural Electrification

Salary Scam Hits KCCA AS 29bn Is Paid To Ghost Workers

After Eng Andrew Kitata took over as the acting Executive

Singer Winnie Nwagi Faces Arrest Over Nudity

Popular singer Winnie Nakanwagi aka Nwagi seems to be risking

Bitter M7 Vows To Sack Judges Over Corruption,Favoritism

President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned judicial officers against corruption and