KAMPALA – The Busega–Mpigi Expressway project, one of Uganda’s flagship road infrastructure developments, will require an additional Shs700 billion to be completed after corruption-related setbacks significantly affected its implementation, Works and Transport Minister Fred byamukama has revealed.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing construction works, the minister said the project is currently 47 per cent complete, while compensation of project-affected persons has reached 80 per cent.
The expressway, which was initially estimated to cost Shs1.2 trillion, is now projected to cost about Shs1.9 trillion following the emergence of corruption-related challenges that have disrupted progress and increased implementation costs.
“The project was initially estimated at Shs1.2 trillion, but we now require an additional Shs700 billion to complete the works. These additional costs have largely arisen from challenges associated with corruption that affected the project,” Fred byamukama said during the inspection.
The minister assured the public that government is committed to holding all individuals implicated in the corruption scandal accountable, noting that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
“Those who were involved in any wrongdoing will be held accountable. Government is determined to ensure that public resources are protected and that infrastructure projects deliver value for money,” he added.
The Busega–Mpigi Expressway is a critical component of Uganda’s transport infrastructure strategy. Once completed, it is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion along the Kampala–Masaka highway, improve connectivity between Kampala and western Uganda, and facilitate regional trade within the East African Community.
The four-lane expressway will serve as a major gateway linking Kampala to neighbouring countries, including Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Tanzania, making it one of the country’s most strategic transport investments.
Government officials say compensation of affected property owners is progressing steadily, with 80 per cent of project-affected persons already compensated. The remaining compensation process is expected to be concluded as funds become available.
The minister’s inspection visit forms part of government’s broader efforts to closely monitor the implementation of key infrastructure projects and ensure timely delivery despite the challenges faced.
The revelations come amid increasing public scrutiny over delays and cost escalations in major public infrastructure projects, with Parliament and anti-corruption agencies previously raising concerns over irregularities in land acquisition and compensation processes associated with the expressway.
Despite the setbacks, byamukama expressed confidence that the project will eventually be completed, emphasizing that government remains committed to delivering modern transport infrastructure that supports Uganda’s economic transformation agenda.
With construction now approaching the halfway mark, Ugandans will be keenly watching whether the government’s renewed commitment to accountability will translate into faster progress and prudent use of public funds as work on the Busega–Mpigi Expressway continues.
