news 16 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
IGG Questions Mbale Engineer on Shs4.2 Billion Road Project Plagued by Potholes After Six Months
The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has interrogated a Mbale City engineer over the substandard Nakaloke–Namagumba road project, budgeted at Shs4.2 billion, which shows potholes, incomplete layers, and poor drainage just six months after work began. Residents and leaders decry lack of value for money, narrow design causing accidents, and missing access routes. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/igg-grills-mbale-engineer-over-shs4-2b-road-with-potholes-in-six-months-5425724
The Inspectorate of Government (IGG), under Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, inspected the 2.5km Nakaloke–Namagumba road in Mbale City’s Northern City Division. This Shs4.2 billion tarmacking project revealed major flaws: only one layer laid instead of three, potholes emerging within six months, and clogged drainage.
Savio Kakooza Ntensibe, Director of Ombudsman Affairs, highlighted the absence of value for money and accountability. Mayor George Bwanika criticized city engineers for neglecting access routes to homes, calling it a breach of public trust.
Frustrated residents demanded arrests, pointing to rapid deterioration despite heavy spending. They complained about the road’s narrow width sparking accidents and blocking access to properties and businesses. Resident Aisha Nagawa labeled it a ‘death trap’ that harms livelihoods.
Project supervisor Johnson Gimuyi denied blame, attributing issues to the contractor and noting only 1.3km completed with Shs1.9 billion received so far. He faced tough questions on procurement and oversight.
Deputy Town Clerk Jolly Hasoho and Town Clerk Assy Abirebe avoided detailed comments, awaiting the IGG report and citing phased funding shortfalls. The probe examines contracts, payments, and potential collusion amid broader anti-corruption efforts in Mbale.