The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, has warned that delays on the Matugga–Semuto–Kapeeka Road Rehabilitation Project may prevent its completion by the April 2026 deadline, raising concerns over timelines for one of the country’s key industrial access routes.
Katumba made the remarks on Monday during an inspection of the project, attributing slow progress to delays in acquiring the right of way, the relocation of utilities and late disbursement of government funds to the contractor.
“This project was commissioned towards the end of 2023 and was scheduled for completion by April 2026,” Katumba said. “Given the delays we have faced, meeting that deadline may not be possible.”
The 63-kilometre road linking Matugga, Semuto and Kapeeka was first commissioned in 2011 as a pilot project using alternative road construction technology.
Over the years, it deteriorated significantly due to increased traffic volumes, largely driven by the establishment and rapid expansion of Kapeeka Industrial Park, now one of Uganda’s major manufacturing hubs.
Despite the setbacks, the minister said he was encouraged by the quality of work so far, noting that construction could regain momentum if outstanding challenges are addressed promptly.
“I am impressed by the standard of work so far. If the remaining bottlenecks are addressed urgently, the contractor can recover some of the lost time,” he said.
Katumba added that government is considering extending the project timeline to allow for full completion, although no revised deadline has yet been announced.
Officials said delays in relocating power lines, water infrastructure and other utilities have affected several sections of the road, while irregular cash flow resulting from delayed payments has constrained construction activity.
The Matugga–Semuto–Kapeeka corridor is regarded as a strategic route for supporting industrial growth, lowering transport costs and improving regional connectivity in central Uganda.