President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly ordered the dismissal of six engineers from the Ministry of Works and Transport over alleged failures linked to major road construction projects across Uganda.
The directive was revealed by Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure, where he discussed challenges affecting several government road projects.
Byamukama told legislators that he had received a communication from the President instructing the removal of the engineers who were linked to some delayed and troubled infrastructure projects.
According to the minister, the affected engineers include officials connected to projects such as the Busega–Mpigi Expressway, Mityana roads and Fort Portal road works.
“As I was leaving my office this morning, I saw a letter from the President sacking six engineers,” Byamukama told MPs during the committee meeting.
The minister said investigations are also continuing against other technical officers suspected of involvement in irregularities surrounding government projects.
He revealed that some officials are already appearing before the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) to record statements as investigations into alleged misconduct continue.
Byamukama added that even former government employees who left service are being investigated over their possible involvement in issues affecting road projects.
The move comes amid growing concerns over delayed road works, rising construction costs and allegations of corruption affecting Uganda’s infrastructure development.
The Works Minister blamed corruption and administrative delays for contributing to the failure of some projects, saying the problems have affected both government and contractors.
He explained that some officials allegedly delay approvals of designs, certificates and contract adjustments, which later increase project costs and slow down implementation.
According to Byamukama, government is now working on reforms aimed at improving accountability and ensuring that those responsible for project failures are held answerable.
One of the proposed changes is that government will only approve road construction contracts after securing enough land required for the projects.
The minister said land acquisition delays have often caused additional costs, compensation challenges and interruptions during construction.
He explained that President Museveni had advised that a significant percentage of land needed for road reserves should be secured before construction begins.
The Busega–Mpigi Expressway was among the projects discussed during the parliamentary meeting, with lawmakers demanding explanations over delays affecting the major road.
The 23.7-kilometre project, funded partly through support from the African Development Bank, has faced challenges affecting its progress.
Officials told MPs that although construction has continued, issues including delayed payments and financing gaps have affected the project timeline.
Byamukama said government remains committed to completing the road, but acknowledged that additional challenges could affect the expected completion period.
Members of Parliament also questioned officials over alleged design changes on some projects, demanding explanations about decisions that may have increased costs.
Committee members said they wanted clarity on who approved changes to road designs and who should take responsibility for decisions that affected project implementation.
The Ministry of Works officials said new measures are being introduced where officers involved in approving design changes will personally sign and take responsibility for their decisions.
The investigations into road projects are expected to continue as government seeks to address delays, improve accountability and ensure public funds are properly used.
The latest developments have renewed public debate about corruption, efficiency and the need for stronger supervision in Uganda’s infrastructure sector.
Many Ugandans are now watching closely as authorities continue investigating officials accused of contributing to failures in major government projects.
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