By Andrew Victor Mawanda Naimanye
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, has clarified that the Uganda Road Fund has not been scrapped, but rather undergone a structural shift in its management.
Addressing Parliament on Road Conditions And Projects on Wednesday, Katumba emphasised that the fund remains operational and continues to channel money to districts for road maintenance.
“What was changed was the management of the fund. They are still sending the money through the fund to the districts,” Katumba said.
The Uganda Road Fund (Amendment) Act, 2024, restructured the administration of the Road Fund by transferring its core functions to the Ministry of Works and Transport. The reform aimed at streamlining operations, reducing bureaucratic delays, and ensuring better oversight of how road maintenance funds are utilised at the district level.
Previously, the Uganda Road Fund operated as a semi-autonomous body responsible for financing routine and periodic maintenance of public roads. With the amendment, these responsibilities now fall directly under the Ministry’s jurisdiction, allowing for closer supervision and integration with national infrastructure plans.
Despite concerns raised by some stakeholders about the potential for centralisation to disrupt service delivery, Katumba assured the public that the transition has been designed to preserve funding flows and enhance service delivery.
“The districts are still receiving the funds. What we’re changing is how we manage and monitor these resources to ensure Ugandans see better results on the ground,” he added.