Works on Kampala-Jinja Highway Stalled Over Shs50bn Debt - Gen Katumba

With the major works stalled, the Ministry of Works and Transport has allocated Shs450 million to rehabilitate a 1.5-kilometre stretch of the Mabira Forest section.
The rehabilitation of the Kampala-Jinja Highway, a key economic lifeline linking Uganda to the Mombasa Port, has come to a standstill due to an outstanding government debt of Shs50 billion owed to the contractor, Energoprojekt.
General Katumba Wamala, the minister of Works and Transport, disclosed the financial challenges during an inspection of temporary repairs being carried out along the Mabira Forest stretch.
Energoprojekt was awarded an Shs82 billion contract in 2021 to reconstruct the 72-kilometre highway.
However, work halted at Namagunga, leaving significant portions of the road in a deteriorated state.
With the major works stalled, the Ministry of Works and Transport has allocated Shs450 million to rehabilitate a 1.5-kilometre stretch of the Mabira Forest section.
“We decided to use force on account to address this critical section while we work on resolving the debt issue with the contractor,” Gen Katumba explained.
He acknowledged the importance of the highway to Uganda’s economy, emphasizing its role in facilitating trade and transportation of goods from the Mombasa Port.
He also assured Ugandans that bids for the construction of the long-awaited Kampala-Jinja Expressway are being scrutinized.
"By March, we should have a contractor to begin work under the Public-Private Partnership framework," he added.
Local leaders in Buikwe District have expressed frustration over the stalled rehabilitation efforts.
Stephen Sserubula, MP for Lugazi Municipality, criticized the government for failing to prioritize the highway’s repair, particularly the Lugazi-to-Nile stretch riddled with potholes.
"Government must expedite real construction work. In the Mabira Forest section, there’s no need for compensation since the land belongs to the government. This is an opportunity to widen the road to six lanes and reduce congestion," Sserubula said.
Willy Kiwanuka, a Buikwe District Councillor for Najjembe Division, raised concerns about waterlogging near a valley in the forest.
He cited a blocked box culvert, which has worsened the situation for years.
"A sugarcane truck plunged into this trench, and the debris has blocked water flow. This has been ignored for five years despite complaints to UNRA," he stated.
Gen. Katumba assured road users that the Ministry would shift focus to other critical road projects, including the Gayaza-Kalagi Road, once the temporary repairs on the Kampala-Jinja Highway are complete.
The Kampala-Jinja Highway remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy.
However, with its worsening condition, immediate interventions are necessary to safeguard trade, transport, and public safety.