news 17 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Apologies and Anger as Fatal Crash Highlights Mubende Road Delays
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has apologized for the slow progress on the Mityana-Mubende road rehabilitation following a fatal accident that killed a local businessman and his driver. The tragedy has fueled renewed calls for swift action and protests against the delayed infrastructure project. Source: https://observer.ug/news/govt-apologises-for-delayed-mubende-road-works-as-accident-claims-businessman-driver
The Mityana-Mubende road, a crucial artery connecting Kampala to western Uganda, has become a focal point of public anger after a tragic accident claimed the lives of businessman Kenneth Kaijuka, 45, and his driver and brother-in-law, Stephen.
The collision, involving a heavy goods truck and the family’s car, occurred on a poorly maintained section of the road, sparking renewed criticism over the protracted delays in its rehabilitation.
Eyewitnesses pointed to the truck’s alleged speed and the deteriorating road conditions as contributing factors to the fatal crash. The accident also highlighted the resilience of Kaijuka’s four children, who survived with fractures and were trapped in the wreckage for several hours before being rescued.
At Kaijuka’s funeral, his uncle, Chris Kaijuka, chairman of the Grain Council of Uganda, vowed to mobilize residents for a protest march to Parliament, asserting that previous attempts to raise concerns about the road had been blocked.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa acknowledged the residents’ frustrations and extended an apology for the delays. He stated that the government has been actively pushing the contractor to expedite the 86-kilometer Mityana-Mubende stretch, which began in 2021 and was initially slated for completion in 2024.
Funding constraints and administrative issues have plagued the project. The Serbian contractor, EnergoProjekt, was given a revised deadline of March 2027 by the State Minister for Works and Transport, with the threat of contract termination if not met. The government has reportedly released funds for this section and urban road upgrades in Mityana.
Tayebwa assured that efforts are underway to improve the road’s current state, including grading and maintenance of rough sections, to mitigate dust and traffic congestion while awaiting final completion. He also urged motorists to exercise caution, referencing the Mubende crash and another recent fatal accident.