Government has issued an eight-month ultimatum to Energo Project, the contractor in charge of the 86-kilometre Mityana–Mubende road, warning that failure to complete the works within the set timeframe will lead to termination of the contract.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, during an inspection tour of the project, which passes through the districts of Mityana, Kassanda, and Mubende.
Byamukama expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of construction and rejected a request by the contractor for a further extension beyond the current revised timeline. The project, which began in 2021, was initially expected to be completed in 2024 but was later extended to 2027 due to delays.
During the inspection, officials from Energo Project reportedly indicated that completion within the revised timeframe was unlikely. In response, the minister issued a firm deadline.
“Government cannot continue tolerating endless extensions on such an important national project. The contractor has eight months to complete the road. Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to terminate the contract,” Byamukama said.
The minister noted that delays in the project have negatively affected transport, trade, and economic activity across the affected districts, causing frustration among road users and local leaders.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over corruption and mismanagement linked to the project. President Yoweri Museveni has previously attributed delays in infrastructure projects, including this road, to corruption despite significant government investment.
“Public resources must be protected, and every shilling allocated to infrastructure development should translate into visible work on the ground,” the President previously emphasized.
Byamukama further revealed that investigations had identified irregularities involving some officials supervising the project. He directed the immediate suspension of several engineers accused of inflating costs and engaging in corrupt dealings with the contractor.
“Any official found compromising government projects through corruption or negligence will be held accountable. We cannot allow a few individuals to frustrate service delivery,” he warned.
The minister also criticized the quality of works on completed sections, directing the contractor to urgently repair potholes and damaged stretches, particularly along the Kalonga–Mubende section, within one week.
“Road users are suffering because of poor workmanship. The contractor must urgently fix all dangerous sections while work continues on the remaining parts of the project,” he said.
Local leaders in Mityana and Kassanda districts echoed concerns over the delays, saying the poor state of the road has increased transport costs, vehicle breakdowns, and road accidents.
Kassanda District Chairperson Drake Ssemuyaba said the delays have had a direct impact on livelihoods.
“The delayed completion of this road has affected farmers, traders, and ordinary residents. Many people are spending more money and time moving goods and accessing services,” Ssemuyaba noted.
Government has so far released approximately Shs195 billion out of the estimated Shs395 billion project cost.
Under the minister’s directive, the road is now expected to be completed between February and March 2027, although failure to meet the new deadline could result in contract termination and reallocation to another contractor.
Residents and leaders have welcomed the ultimatum, expressing hope that it will accelerate completion of a road considered vital for transport, trade, and regional development in central Uganda.