Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure has summoned the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, to explain the growing number of abandoned road projects, rising road accidents and other challenges affecting the country’s transport sector.
The committee chairperson, Mbarara South MP Mwine Mpaka, said more than 28 road projects across the country have stalled after contractors abandoned works, affecting transport and service delivery.
“More than 28 road projects around the country have been abandoned by contractors. This has worsened transport and service delivery across the country,” Mpaka said.
The committee made the decision during its first meeting after the 12th Parliament constituted its committees and leadership.
Mpaka said the minister will appear before the committee on Tuesday alongside technocrats from the Ministry of Works and Transport to provide explanations on the stalled projects.
“The committee agreed to summon Minister Fred Byamukama on Tuesday together with all technocrats from the Ministry to explain why most contractors have abandoned major road works,” he said.
The committee also wants the ministry to provide reports on the increasing number of road accidents and outline measures being taken to improve road safety.
“We have demanded reports on the rising road accidents and the Ministry’s plans to address them. Ugandans are losing lives on roads that should be safe,” Mpaka said.
The committee said it will also investigate the operations of the Uganda Railways Corporation, including allegations that corporation land has been taken over by individuals with influence in government.
“The committee will also interest itself in the operations of the Uganda Railways Corporation where a lot of the corporation land has been grabbed by so-called powerful individuals in government,” a committee member said.
Mpaka added that the committee will on Wednesday meet officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to discuss the persistent flooding problem in the city.
The engagements form part of the committee’s initial priorities as the 12th Parliament begins oversight work on infrastructure and transport-related issues.
