By Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has acknowledged widespread public concern over the deteriorating condition of Uganda’s road network and assured the country that government is taking immediate steps to address the crisis.
In a detailed press statement released on May 5, 2024, Gen. Katumba cited heavy rains, corruption, delayed contractor payments, and shoddy workmanship as the key factors contributing to the worsening state of roads across the country. He said his ministry has been inundated with complaints from the public, including local leaders, parliamentarians, and social media users, demanding accountability for the crumbling infrastructure.
Also Read
“I was Electrocuted Five Times A day Since My Arrest,” Eddie Mutwe Tells Lawyer
Uganda Electoral Commission Extends Voter Register Display To 620 Delayed Polling Stations
Uganda Opens Passport Office In Riyadh To Serve Growing Diaspora
Eddie Mutwe Limped Into Court After Week In Muhoozi’s Custody
Museveni Calls Off Cabinet Meeting To Focus On NRM Village Elections
Heartbreak For Luton Town As Relegation Confirmed After 5-3 Defeat To West Brom
“I have heard you. I have read your posts. I have watched your videos. I have received the voice notes. I have received messages. I am aware of the outcry,” Katumba said, affirming that both he and technical staff at the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) are not ignoring the situation.
The Minister pointed out that several roads have been severely damaged due to relentless rainfall, which has exposed structural defects and caused embankments to collapse. Additionally, delays in paying contractors have led many to abandon projects midway, while in other cases, local officials have allowed shoddy roadworks to go unchallenged.
To counter this, Gen. Katumba announced a number of corrective measures. These include closer supervision of district engineers, fast-tracking payments to contractors, blacklisting firms that fail to deliver, and launching an emergency road maintenance strategy. He also urged whistleblowers to report poor road construction or embezzlement using official government hotlines.
“There are people who have not done the work they were paid to do. This is criminal and unacceptable. We are going after them,” the Minister stated.
Also Read
Olympic 100m Medalist Kerley Arrested In Miami
Australia PM Albanese makes stunning comeback with landslide win
UNEB Breaks Silence on Alleged Marks Alteration Scandal: Two Staff Dismissed
Businessman Rajiv Ruparelia Dies in Fatal Crash at Busabala Flyover
Busia District LC5 Chairperson Charged with Theft of Government Vehicle Parts
UK Court Jails Ugandan Senior Judge For Six Years Over Slavery Cases
He added that district roads will now be subject to stricter oversight from regional UNRA offices, and the Ministry will soon table a report before Cabinet highlighting roads that require urgent attention.
Gen. Katumba called on the public to remain vigilant and report mismanagement, while also acknowledging that the situation has caused major disruptions in transport and commerce. “We don’t take your concerns lightly. We are working round the clock to fix the roads and restore trust,” he emphasized.
The statement comes amid growing concerns from the public following the demise of prominent businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, son of city tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia, who died in a tragic motor vehicle accident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, to which many blame on government for contracting sluggish contractors
2 Comments