For thousands of motorists travelling between Kampala, Mityana, Mubende, Kyegegwa and Fort Portal, the once-proud highway has become a symbol of frustration, broken promises and endless delays.What was supposed to be a major rehabilitation project to transform one of Uganda’s busiest transport corridors has instead dragged on for years, leaving motorists dodging potholes, traders counting losses and residents wondering whether the road will ever be completed.
Now, newly appointed Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama has blown the lid off what many Ugandans have long suspected — that powerful interests could be benefiting from the prolonged delays.During an inspection of the Mityana–Mubende road works on Friday, the minister issued one of the strongest warnings ever directed at the Serbian contractor, EnergoProjekt, and vowed that the era of endless extensions was over.
“What caused me discomfort was that the contractor is willing to finish in 2028,” Byamukama said. “In the current Uganda, I’ve never seen a road contract running for eight years; I can’t allow it. Projects are delaying because there are many big people in government eating from them.”The explosive remarks immediately sparked debate across the country and raised fresh questions about why a road project that began with so much promise has taken forever to complete.
A PROJECT THAT REFUSES TO END
The Kampala–Mityana–Mubende–Fort Portal highway is one of Uganda’s most strategic roads.It serves as the main gateway to western Uganda, linking Kampala to major towns including Mityana, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Fort Portal, Kasese and Bundibugyo. Every day, thousands of passenger vehicles, buses, fuel tankers and cargo trucks use the route.
When rehabilitation works began, road users expected a modern highway that would reduce travel time and improve safety. Instead, years later, motorists are still battling dust, diversions, potholes and traffic disruptions.The Mityana–Mubende section has become particularly notorious for delays, with many road users describing it as one of the country’s most frustrating construction projects.
CONTRACTOR ACCUSED OF PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK
The minister did not hide his dissatisfaction with EnergoProjekt, accusing the contractor of moving too slowly. According to Allan Ssempebwa, the Ministry of Works communications chief, Byamukama arrived at the site determined to demand answers.
In a social media post before the inspection, Ssempebwa quoted the minister as saying:”The contractor has played hide and seek for long. This must stop and works expeditiously done.” The statement resonated with many frustrated motorists who have watched deadlines come and go without significant progress.
Sources familiar with the project say repeated requests for extensions have contributed to growing public anger.The contractor reportedly indicated that the project could stretch into 2028, a timeline that shocked the minister.Instead, Byamukama has set March 2027 as the final deadline and warned that failure to improve performance could result in termination of the contract.
CORRUPTION CLAIMS EMERGE
Perhaps the most explosive part of the minister’s remarks was his suggestion that powerful individuals may be benefiting from project delays. His comments triggered a storm of reactions online.Political analyst Charles Rwomushana questioned whether the minister had already uncovered corruption within weeks of assuming office. “He has already sniffed corruption? This early?” Rwomushana wondered.
Other commentators claimed the real problem might not be the contractor alone. Several social media users pointed fingers at officials within the Ministry of Works. Mark Rutaro argued that answers could lie with senior technical officers.
“The problem is the PS and Chief Engineer,” he wrote. Another commenter, Olinga Simon Peter, suggested that contractors are often unfairly blamed.
“The problems of shoddy and delayed road works are not because of the contractors but the bosses around the minister. The Chief Engineer and PS have all the answers.”Even more sensational were claims made by social media user Ronald Amanyire. According to him, information circulating within government circles suggests that when the contract was awarded in 2021, middlemen allegedly demanded kickbacks.
“We have already received evidence that when these people were getting the contract in 2021, our Ugandans lied to them. Our Ugandans took six percent out of the Shs395 billion from their pockets,” he claimed. The allegations remain unverified, but they have intensified public scrutiny of the project.
WHO IS REALLY TO BLAME?
While the contractor has come under heavy criticism, some Ugandans believe the ministry itself must shoulder responsibility. Several commentators noted that Byamukama is not entirely new to the sector.Before becoming substantive minister, he served as State Minister for Transport and was therefore familiar with many ongoing projects.
Moses Otai summed up what many people were thinking. “Ugandans are clear that he was a State Minister in the same docket, so he knows exactly what’s happening. What has changed is that he’s now with more responsibility of decision making.”Others questioned whether contractors would continue delaying projects if government supervision was stronger.
Awoii, another commentator, argued that answers could easily be found within ministry offices.”He simply needs to walk into the office of the Engineer-in-Chief or the Permanent Secretary and ask why the project is not moving. The answers are in those offices, not at the site.”
ROAD USERS LOSE PATIENCE
As the blame game continues, ordinary Ugandans are becoming increasingly impatient.The road has become a nightmare for travellers heading to western Uganda. Many motorists now prefer alternative routes despite the longer distances involved.
One social media user revealed that whenever he travels to Kasese, he avoids the Mityana-Mubende road altogether and uses the Mbarara route. Others complained that delayed road works are not limited to Mityana and Mubende.Calls poured in for the minister to inspect other troubled projects including the Matugga-Kasangati-Kira road, Buyonyi road in Kabale, Nateete-Nakawuka-Kasanje road and the Namasale-Amolatar-Dokolo road.
The complaints paint a picture of widespread frustration with Uganda’s road construction sector.
MARCH 2027 OR ELSE
For now, all eyes are on Minister Byamukama. The minister appears determined to establish himself as a no-nonsense supervisor willing to confront both contractors and government officials.His “No More Sleep” campaign slogan has already generated excitement among supporters who hope it signals a new era of accountability. Whether that enthusiasm translates into actual progress remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the Kampala–Mityana–Mubende–Fort Portal highway has become more than just a road project.It has become a test case for government efficiency, contractor accountability and the fight against corruption.After years of excuses, extensions and delays, road users have heard enough promises.
They now want results. And if Byamukama’s ultimatum is anything to go by, March 2027 may be the date that finally determines whether this endless road saga comes to an end—or continues down the long highway of broken deadlines.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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