KAMPALA, Uganda — Road construction projects across Uganda have stalled as contractors abandoned sites due to about 1.351 trillion shillings ($359 million USD) in unpaid arrears, Works Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala said Monday.
Among the affected projects is the Busabala Flyover, where China State Construction Engineering Corporation is seeking 43 billion shillings in outstanding payments. The site gained attention Saturday after the death of Rajiv Ruparelia, a managing director at the Ruparelia Group of Companies and the son of tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia.
Police said Rajiv Ruparelia died early Saturday when his vehicle hit barriers at the Busabala flyover on the Munyonyo Southern Bypass.
Other road projects facing delays include the Kampala-Jinja Highway, the Mubende-Mityana road, and Greater Kampala metropolitan roads funded by the World Bank. The Northern Bypass, Entebbe-Nakawuka road, Busega-Mpigi Expressway, Mbale-Soroti road, Rwekunye-Apac-Aduku-Lira-Kitgum-Musingo road, and the Kira–Kasangati–Matugga road are also affected.
Speaking to reporters in Kampala, Katumba said many contractors have not been paid for completed work, hindering progress. He said he has asked Parliament for a supplementary budget to clear the arrears.
“Last year, as Uganda National Roads Authority was coming in, I raised a red flag in Parliament and Cabinet about the money we were owing contractors, close to sh1.351 trillion,” Katumba said. He added that the ministry is discussing with the finance ministry to find ways to maintain the road network.
Katumba said the government plans to maintain about 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) and rehabilitate about 400 kilometers (249 miles) of roads in the next financial year.
He also addressed the death of Rajiv Ruparelia, saying the government has launched an investigation into the circumstances. He urged media outlets not to speculate and to await the investigation’s findings.
Katumba clarified that the Entebbe Expressway does not extend to Munyonyo spa, where the fatal accident occurred, noting that the area has traffic lights and speed limits, unlike the expressway which runs from Busega to Mpala.
His comments followed public pressure and calls for the works ministry to be held responsible for the accident due to the reportedly uncleared barriers.
Capt. Mike Mukula, the National Resistance Movement vice chairman for the eastern region, called the accident an “unforgivable tragedy” and demanded a full investigation and criminal charges for negligence.
Katumba said the investigation would determine if blame should be assigned.
He also mentioned that the ministry is developing its internal construction unit to handle emergencies, citing ongoing work on the Gayaza-Kalagi road.
