KAMPALA, Uganda — A coalition of civil society organizations has drafted a sweeping advisory demanding an overhaul of Uganda’s transport sector, citing systemic delays and “shoddy work” that have left trillions of shillings in infrastructure projects stalled.
The Civil Society Coalition on Transport in Uganda (CISCOT) released the recommendations following a national roundtable last week. The group is calling for stricter liability for contractors and a shift in procurement that prioritizes competent local firms over foreign multinationals.
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The advisory arrives as recent government audits reveal an “unchecked pattern” of failure. According to the Auditor General’s 2024 report, 28 projects valued at 3.554 trillion shillings faced delays ranging from six months to three years. Another 13 projects were either abandoned or suspended, including major routes such as the Mityana-Mubende-Kyejojo road and the Busega-Mpigi expressway.
“The current status quo needs an overhaul,” said Jane Mwesiga Kyarisiima, deputy head of public service in charge of performance. She noted that only 6,000 kilometers of the country’s 21,000-kilometer road network are paved, and that delays do more than just postpone outcomes—they diminish the value of the entire economy.
CISCOT and industry experts pointed to several factors fueling the crisis:
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Debt and Cash Flow: The Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC) reported that billions in contractor payments are held up in government debt, causing two-year projects to stretch into five years.
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Foreign Dominance: Local firms are calling for a “level playing field,” arguing that the 30% local content requirement is often bypassed by foreign companies.
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Planning Failures: John Paul Manase, an engineer with China Communications Construction Co., cited inefficiencies in land acquisition and “right-of-way” as primary triggers for project stalls.
The economic toll is particularly visible in Kampala. While the capital generates 75% of national revenue, many of its roads are more than 35 years old. The Economic Policy Research Centre found that travel times on routes like Kampala-Mukono can now exceed four hours, driving up the cost of doing business and increasing air pollution.
Among its “tough” proposals, CISCOT suggested that road fines and penalties should be reinvested directly into the road budget rather than being absorbed into the general treasury. The coalition also urged the government to address the “geographic information system gap” by utilizing digital data for better project planning.
Dr. Sam Stewart Mutabazi, CISCOT board chairperson, said the government must empower local firms and ensure joint project preparation between the state, civil society, and the private sector to avoid the “distortion” of already completed works.
