KAMPALA, Uganda — Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure has summoned the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, to explain the rising number of road accidents and delays in the completion of several government road projects after some contractors reportedly abandoned construction sites.
The committee is expected to meet the minister on Tuesday as lawmakers seek answers on two major concerns affecting Uganda’s transport sector: the persistent increase in road crashes and stalled infrastructure projects that have disrupted planned development works across the country.
Road safety remains one of Uganda’s biggest transport challenges, with thousands of crashes recorded annually. Authorities have repeatedly identified speeding, reckless driving, dangerous motorcycle riding, drunk driving and disregard for traffic regulations as some of the leading causes of accidents.
Despite increased investment in road expansion and rehabilitation, lawmakers say the continued loss of lives on highways requires stronger intervention from the government, including improved enforcement, better road design and increased public awareness.
The committee will also question the ministry over incomplete road projects, which MPs say have become a growing concern in several districts.
Lawmakers argue that abandoned projects not only inconvenience communities but also increase construction costs, delay economic activity and limit access to markets, schools and health facilities.
Some stalled projects have previously been attributed to delayed payments, financial challenges, disputes between government agencies and contractors, delayed compensation for land acquisition, and failure by some contractors to meet contractual obligations.
During the meeting, MPs are expected to demand details on the number of delayed projects, reasons behind contractor withdrawals, measures being taken against non-performing firms and how the ministry plans to ensure timely completion of public works.
The committee will also assess the ministry’s supervision mechanisms and accountability systems for road projects funded by taxpayers.
The inquiry comes amid broader calls for reforms in Uganda’s transport sector, with legislators pushing for stronger monitoring of contractors and improved coordination between government agencies responsible for infrastructure development and road safety.
The committee’s recommendations could guide future parliamentary action on improving project implementation, reducing road carnage and ensuring value for money in public infrastructure investments.
