In a major shift in infrastructure strategy, the government is now placing a renewed emphasis on the maintenance of existing roads rather than the construction of new ones.
This change in direction is a response to reduced funding allocations and delayed releases, which have resulted in a significant maintenance backlog in the country’s road network.
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, addressed Parliament on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, highlighting the importance of prioritizing maintenance to preserve and protect the current road assets.
“The considerable maintenance backlog necessitates a greater focus on maintaining the paved road network,” he stated.
Katumba Wamala emphasized the need for increased resources in the National Development Plan (NDP) IV to safeguard road assets and expand the road infrastructure.
He attributed the challenges to the decrease in resources, leading to delays in planned interventions under NDPIII, including upgrades to support tourism, oil and gas activities, and easing congestion in urban areas.
During NDP III, plans were made for road development, including upgrading over 3,500KM of roads and constructing strategic bridges.
Gen. Katumba Wamala noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic impacts resulted in a significant reduction in funding for infrastructure projects.
“Allocations for road development decreased significantly, affecting both domestic and externally funded projects. The pandemic disrupted construction activities and land acquisition processes, further delaying project implementation,” he explained.
Despite the obstacles, the Works Minister highlighted some achievements in road development by June 2023, with 750KM of national roads upgraded to paved standard, though falling short of the 1,500KM target.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has carried forward debts of Shs215 billion, Shs471 billion, and Shs629 billion over the last three financial years of NDP III.
“Construction costs have risen, particularly post-COVID-19, impacting key road construction and maintenance inputs such as bitumen, steel, timber, and fuel, increasing operational expenses,” Katumba Wamala noted.
Regarding the Kampala – Jinja Expressway, the minister stated that over Shs236 billion is needed to compensate project-affected individuals, with right of way acquisition for sections 1 and 2 expected by December 2024 and for section 3 by December 2025. Road construction is set to commence in December 2025.
Speaker Anita Among assured Parliament’s support for allocating funds to the ministry, emphasizing the crucial role of roads infrastructure in development.
“We will prioritize your sector. The number of fatalities due to accidents is concerning,” Among affirmed.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.