Project Under Scrutiny: A Deep Dive into the Cost Escalation

The Committee on Physical Infrastructure, chaired by Hon. Dan Kimosho, initiated the inquiry during a meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, led by Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala. The discussion centered on the Ministry’s planned activities for the 2026/2027 financial year, but quickly focused on the alarming cost increases for the expressway.

Gen. Katumba Wamala attributed the significant price hike to alterations in the project’s design and scope. These changes, he explained, include revisions to the road’s alignment and the addition of crucial infrastructure such as interchanges and connecting roads. Engineer-in-Chief Stephen Kitonsa corroborated this explanation, stating that a technical review team had reassessed the project and determined the revised cost.

However, Hon. Kimosho expressed strong skepticism regarding the purely technical explanations. “This is science, not gambling,” he asserted. “It is not possible that changes could amount to double the price.” He voiced suspicions of deeper issues at play, stating bluntly, “There is a smelling rat in the project.” Kimosho emphasized the urgent need to identify those responsible for the apparent financial loss and ensure full accountability.

Adding to the complexity, the committee learned that negotiations with the contractor remain incomplete, despite prior parliamentary approval of additional funding to facilitate project completion. Gen. Katumba Wamala confirmed, “As we speak now, we have not yet fully contracted the contractor for completion. The negotiations are still ongoing.”

The contractor had initially submitted claims totaling Shs578 billion, citing delays and the costs associated with idle equipment. Through negotiations, these claims were substantially reduced to Shs78 billion. Despite this reduction, the protracted negotiation process has drawn criticism from lawmakers.

Bukanga North Member of Parliament, Hon. Nathan Byanyima, voiced his frustration with the ongoing delays. The 23.7KM expressway, initially stalled due to funding constraints, resumed construction after the government secured additional financing from the African Development Bank. However, MPs warn that continued delays and unexplained cost variations could expose the project to further financial risks.

“You can even have a third renegotiation at this rate if you don’t zero down on someone’s neck,” cautioned Hon. Kimosho. Moroto District Woman Representative, Hon. Stella Atyang, echoed these concerns, highlighting what she described as inadequate negotiation practices that ultimately burden taxpayers with penalties and inefficiencies.

The committee has formally requested the original contract for the Busega–Mpigi Expressway from the Ministry of Works and Transport as part of a comprehensive investigation into the project’s financial irregularities.

Did You Know? The Busega-Mpigi Expressway is a vital component of Uganda’s broader infrastructure development plan, aiming to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the region.

What measures can be implemented to prevent similar cost overruns in future infrastructure projects? And how can transparency be improved to ensure public trust in large-scale government initiatives?

For more information on infrastructure development in Uganda, visit the Uganda Investment Authority website.

Further details on the African Development Bank’s involvement in Ugandan infrastructure can be found at the African Development Bank.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Busega-Mpigi Expressway

• What is the current estimated cost of the Busega-Mpigi Expressway?

  The current estimated cost of the Busega-Mpigi Expressway is over Shs1.2 trillion, a significant increase from the initial Shs547.5 billion.

• What reasons has the Ministry of Works and Transport given for the cost increase?

  The Ministry attributes the cost increase to changes in the project’s design and scope, including revised road alignments and the addition of interchanges and connecting roads.

• What concerns have been raised by the Committee on Physical Infrastructure?

  The Committee has expressed skepticism about the explanations provided, suggesting that the cost increase is disproportionate to the changes made and indicating potential financial mismanagement.

• What is the status of negotiations with the contractor?

  Negotiations with the contractor remain incomplete, despite previous parliamentary approval of additional funding.

• What action has the committee taken to investigate the cost escalation?

  The committee has requested the original contract for the Busega–Mpigi Expressway from the Ministry of Works and Transport as part of a comprehensive investigation.