Parliamentary Probe into Busega-Mpigi Expressway Hits Roadblocks

The ambitious Busega-Mpigi Expressway project, a vital 23.7km dual-carriage road designed to slash travel time between the two points from two hours to approximately 40 minutes, has encountered significant hurdles. Construction commenced in May 2020, but it has since stalled, failing to meet its original completion deadline.

The Parliamentary Physical Infrastructure Committee initiated an investigation into the project’s delays and escalating costs, which have surged from an initial Shs547.54 billion to a staggering Shs1.308 trillion. Committee chairperson Mwine Mpaka noted that their probe, which began last month, aimed to identify the root causes of these issues, drawing parallels with delays on 28 other road projects and 13 instances of contractors condoning delays.

However, the committee’s efforts to uncover the exact reasons for the Busega-Mpigi Expressway’s setbacks were reportedly blocked. They were advised to consult the Speaker of Parliament, who requested they withdraw from the investigation, citing ongoing inquiries by security agencies into related matters.

An examination of project documents revealed that the cost escalation is attributed to several factors, including inflation, scope expansion, and alignment changes made since work began. Weaknesses in the initial project design, such as incomplete interchanges, lack of toll facilities, and inadequate terminus designs, were accepted despite glaring deficiencies. Subsequent scope expansions, including the addition of interchanges and bridges, were not adequately matched with funding adjustments, leading to premature procurement processes.

Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, described the situation as a “treasonous act,” highlighting the financial burden on taxpayers. He indicated that the project’s cost, if completed in its current form, could reach Shs2 trillion. The Ministry of Finance, the Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra), project consultants, and contractors were among the parties lined up for questioning, with the committee preparing 202 questions to address the cost overruns.

Despite these challenges, contractors China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Railway 19th Bureau Group Company Limited anticipate project completion by 2030. The African Development Bank recently disbursed an additional €217 million (approximately Shs909 billion) to aid in the project’s completion.