President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that the government blocked what he described as an attempt by “thieves” to dramatically increase the cost of roads being constructed as part of Uganda’s preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The President made the remarks while explaining his decision to dismiss several senior officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority over allegations of corruption and poor management of government projects.
In a letter directing the removal of six senior engineers and officials, Museveni said his administration had received reports of widespread corruption within the infrastructure sector.
The President said some individuals had attempted to inflate the cost of AFCON-related road projects by more than double the original estimates, a move he said would have caused unnecessary losses to taxpayers.
“There are abundant examples everywhere such as the Busega-Mpigi road and attempts by the thieves to hike the cost of the AFCON roads from Shs4 billion per kilometre to Shs8.5 billion per kilometre,” Museveni stated.
He did not name the individuals he accused of attempting to increase the costs or provide details of how the alleged plan was detected, but said investigations into corruption within the sector were ongoing.
The President said corruption in public projects had delayed development and increased the financial burden on the country, warning that those involved would face consequences.
Museveni’s comments come at a time when Uganda is preparing to host part of the 2027 AFCON tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania under the regional hosting arrangement known as AFCON PAMOJA 2027.
Uganda is expected to host matches at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala and the newly developing Hoima City Stadium, with major infrastructure improvements being carried out ahead of the continental competition.
The government has committed significant funds towards upgrading sports facilities, roads, security systems and other supporting infrastructure required to successfully host international visitors.
Last year, Sports Minister Peter Ogwang informed Parliament that about Shs905 billion had been allocated for AFCON preparations, with Shs213 billion specifically committed to improving approximately 47.53 kilometres of roads around key stadium areas.
The planned works include upgrading roads around Mandela National Stadium and Hoima City Stadium, construction of pedestrian walkways and installation of street lighting to improve movement and security.
However, Museveni said corruption risks threatened to undermine such national projects if officials attempted to misuse public resources meant for development.
Among the officials dismissed was Eng. Rogers Kisambira, who had been involved in overseeing several AFCON-related road infrastructure projects in Kampala and Hoima.
The President also mentioned other major projects that have attracted government attention, including the Busega-Mpigi Expressway, Mubende-Fort Portal Road, Masaka-Mutukula Highway, Jinja Road, the delayed Ssezibwa Bridge and issues involving scanners at Entebbe International Airport.
Museveni said investigators were using both criminal and administrative measures to deal with officials suspected of wrongdoing.
“Of additional interest, the investigators have got two weapons: The Criminal and the Administrative,” the President said.
He emphasized that fighting corruption was necessary to protect public funds and ensure that government projects deliver value to citizens.
The revelations have increased public debate about corruption in Uganda’s infrastructure sector, where large sums of money are allocated annually for roads, bridges and other development programmes.
Government officials have repeatedly said that corruption remains one of the biggest challenges affecting service delivery and have promised tougher action against individuals accused of abusing public resources.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has in recent years faced scrutiny over delays, rising project costs and allegations of mismanagement, leading to calls for stronger oversight mechanisms.
As Uganda moves closer to hosting AFCON 2027, authorities say they are determined to ensure that the country’s preparations are completed on time and that resources allocated for the tournament are used responsibly.
The President’s latest warning signals a continued crackdown on officials accused of corruption, with more investigations expected as government seeks to improve accountability in major national projects.
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