KAMPALA, Uganda– Ministry of Works and Transport is requesting additional funding to effectively fulfill its mandate of planning, developing, and maintaining efficient transportation services.
According to the line minister, General Edward Katumba Wamala, the ministry is currently experiencing delays in several key road and bridge projects across the country a challenge he attributes to a massive funding gap.
Work has been halted on major routes, including the 72-kilometre Kampala–Jinja Expressway, Najjanankumbi–Busabala Road, Mityana–Mubende Road, Masindi–Biiso Road, Kabale–Kiziranfumbi Road, and Moroto–Lokitanyala Road.
While presenting the state of road infrastructure report to Parliament, Minister Katumba Wamala revealed that although the ministry received 3.1 trillion shillings for the 2025/26 financial year, a large portion about one trillion shillings has been committed to clearing arrears.
The remaining funds are insufficient to cover ongoing works, land acquisition, and counterpart obligations, resulting in a shortfall of 2.472 trillion shillings.
The minister further disclosed that nine externally financed projects have also stalled because the government failed to provide timely counterpart funding required for land acquisition, taxes, and enabling works.
Among the critical infrastructure affected are the Katonga Bridge, the Lwera stretch, and the Kalandazi section along the Masaka Road all vital for the country’s transportation and economic development.
Katumba urged Parliament to swiftly address the funding shortfall, warning that further delays could have lasting impacts on national development and regional connectivity.
