Dual Probe Needed for Busega-Mpigi Expressway: Parliament and Forensics

Parliament’s Physical Infrastructure Committee has reportedly been asked to halt its inquiry into the Busega-Mpigi Expressway, with the Speaker suggesting it defer to ongoing investigations by security agencies. This move, aimed at preventing duplication, risks overlooking critical aspects of the project’s issues.

The parliamentary committee’s focus was on delays and cost escalations, potentially stemming from design flaws, alignment changes, and procurement initiated before design finalization. While these raise serious questions, they do not automatically imply criminal wrongdoing. A criminal investigation seeks to identify lawbreakers, whereas engineering forensics aims to diagnose how a project failed technically.

Uganda requires both types of scrutiny. The Inspectorate of Government is indeed probing alleged embezzlement and value for money, which is a necessary step to uncover potential fraud, collusion, or abuse of office. However, this criminal focus should not preclude a technical examination.

Engineering forensics delves into the entire project lifecycle – from initial needs and feasibility studies to design, procurement, and construction. Preliminary findings by the parliamentary committee, as reported, highlighted incomplete works, omitted facilities, and questionable procurement processes preceding design approval. These point to questions about design validation, the necessity of revisions, and the authorization of early procurement steps.

Infrastructure failures often result from a confluence of technical errors, poor decision-making, and inadequate oversight rather than a single act. Focusing solely on identifying a “thief” might obscure systemic vulnerabilities, while an exclusive technical review could let culpable individuals evade accountability.

Therefore, one investigation should not negate the other. Coordination between Parliament and investigative bodies is essential. Parliament’s extensive questions can be structured to address what was designed, what changed and why, what was built and paid for, and which controls failed. The Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers also has a role in ensuring engineering evidence informs public accountability.

Ultimately, Uganda needs to both punish wrongdoing and learn from systemic failures to ensure future infrastructure projects are designed, procured, and financed effectively. The Busega-Mpigi Expressway warrants both a criminal and a technical investigation to achieve these goals.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)