We Need 5 Trillion For National Road Projects

Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, has stated that more than Sh5 trillion will be required to complete all outstanding national road network projects.

On March 1, 2023, Gen. Katumba Wamala informed the House that Cabinet had decided to reprioritize the upkeep of the current paved, unpaved, and crucial industrial park roads.

According to Gen. Katumba Wamala, the prolonged wet seasons continue to hasten road deterioration, which is made worse by a lack of funding for upkeep.

He continued, “Maintenance interventions have been delayed as a result of budget suppressions in the budget for the prior financial year and the insufficient release of money in the first quarter of the running national budget.

The minister continued by stating that the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), which is responsible for maintaining two paved national roads totaling 93 kilometers in length, is now doing so and will cost Shs113 billion.

He mentioned that six paved national roads totaling 531 kilometers were now being renovated, with a financing commitment of at least Sh682 billion spread over three years.

On improving road projects, the minister reported that there are 20 active projects around the nation, totaling 1,083 kilometers, with an estimated budget demand of Shs1.8 trillion.

“A total of 1,204KM of paved roads have been scientifically appraised as being in urgent need of periodic maintenance to prevent accelerated deterioration which demand five or more times the existing cost of upkeep,” stated Katumba Wamala.

He stated that Sh1.2 trillion is the total amount needed for rehabilitation projects under procurement and Ugandan government counterpart funding for internationally financed road projects.

This indicates that 20% of the aforementioned amount, or Sh240 billion, will be needed for advance payments in the upcoming fiscal year, the official continued.

Anita Among, the Speaker, instructed the Ministry of Finance to respond to the issue of inadequate funds for road improvements.

She expressed concern about the road network’s uneven distribution and demanded equity.

“The extension and upkeep of the road network must reach all corners of the country, as required by the constitution, to preserve fairness and national character,” she continued.

In order for local contractors to embark on the projects, Speaker Among also urged for increasing their ability.

The Ministry of Finance has been adamant about addressing the financing issues affecting the Ministry of Works, according to Yusuf Nsibambi, Mawokota County South MP.

The Ministry of Works’ priorities are not taken into account by the Ministry of Finance, according to the financial appropriations and releases, he claimed.

According to Henry Musasizi, Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), the government’s financial restrictions were a factor in the decision to prioritize repairs to existing roads.

The conditions under which we are working prevent us from having enough money to deal with the government’s expanding list of priorities, he said.