Headline: Government Settles Debts, Contractors Return to Road Projects in Greater Kampala
Subheading: Minister Katumba Confirms Sh1.6 Trillion Arrears Addressed, Inspects Progress on Key Routes
Following the disbursement of long-overdue payments, road construction contractors have resumed work on multiple stalled projects across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, confirmed that the government has settled part of its sh1.6 trillion debt owed to various firms, allowing critical infrastructure development to continue.
The minister, accompanied by technical officials, launched an inspection drive last Wednesday to assess progress on roads previously hampered by payment delays and land acquisition issues.
Key Project Back on Track
A major focus of the inspection was the 11km Busaabala Road upgrade, a sh258.8 billion project being undertaken by China State Construction Corporation. Originally slated for completion in 2024, the project’s deadline was revised to March of this year after significant delays. The government had owed the contractor sh19 billion for completed works.
“Although the project is behind schedule by over 50%, there has been significant progress. Out of the total 11km, 8 km have been completed,” Gen. Katumba stated. He instructed the contractor to adhere to the revised timeframe.
The Busaabala project, spanning Kampala and Wakiso districts, includes the construction of the Namasole Link and Sigalalama roads, junction improvements, a vehicular overpass, two pedestrian bridges, and a single-point urban interchange at Kigo, among other features.
Land Acquisition Challenges Persist
Minister Katumba appealed for public patience, citing delayed payments and difficulties in securing the full right of way as major obstacles. He noted that some residents along the Busaabala corridor who had initially consented to provide land later withdrew their cooperation, while others who had received compensation refused to vacate the land for nearly a year.
“Land acquisition for road infrastructure development is increasingly becoming a challenge for the Government,” he emphasized.
Other Projects Inspected
The inspection tour also covered several other key routes, including:
· Nakawuka-Kasenje-Mpigi Road
· Nakawuka-Mawaggulu Road
· Nanzinga-Maya-Kasenje-Buwaya-Entebbe Nakwogo Road
All of the above are contracted to China Communication Construction Company (CCCC).
Additionally, the 100km Mubende-Mityana township roads project by Energo Project and the Kawuku-Bwerenga-Bugiri road by CCCC were reviewed.
Background
The resumption of work brings relief to an area that contributes over 60% of Uganda’s revenue but has suffered from deteriorating road conditions for the past three years. Contractors had downed tools due to the non-payment of arrears, bringing many projects to a standstill.
“All contractors are now back on sites, and works are progressing normally,” Gen. Katumba concluded.
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