The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Anne Twino Muheirwe has pledged swift and decisive action to eliminate persistent bottlenecks hindering the completion, of the Busega–Mpigi Expressway.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the multi-billion shilling road project, Twino emphasized that the Inspectorate of Government will engage all responsible authorities to ensure the long-delayed expressway is delivered efficiently and transparently.
She reaffirmed that the Inspectorate committed to accountability and value for money in public infrastructure projects.
“We promise to support the Ministry of Works and Transport and the contractor by escalating the matter to the relevant authorities to ensure that all impeding issues are resolved. Otherwise, we stand to lose substantially if this project is not completed. We will ensure that the responsible authorities are held accountable,” Twino said.
The 26.7-kilometre expressway, a critical transport corridor linking Kampala to Mpigi, has faced years of delays, raising public concern over its cost, scope, and implementation.
Twino noted that its completion depends on coordinated efforts among key stakeholders, including the Office of the Attorney General, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority, and the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development.
“The engagement between the Inspectorate and the responsible authorities carries the weight of public expectation and the promise of transformation,” she said.
She added that the expressway is vital not only for easing traffic congestion but also for boosting trade and connectivity.
“In the completion of this expressway lies more than mere convenience; it is a lifeline of connection and commerce,”she noted.
During the visit, Twino also raised alarm over increasing encroachment on the Standard Gauge Railway corridor, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to orderly infrastructure development. She called on the Ministry of Works and Transport to act swiftly to reclaim the affected land.
“I warn those building in the corridor in anticipation of compensation. This is highly irregular, and action will be taken against anyone found culpable,” she cautioned.
Eng. Godfrey Bahemaiso, Assistant Commissioner for Road Construction and Rehabilitation at the Ministry, acknowledged that the project, initially scheduled for completion in May 2022, had been delayed due to funding constraints and slow compensation of Project Affected Persons.
He explained that adjustments to the project scope were necessary to incorporate additional interchanges in Nabbingo, Maya, and Mpigi, as well as link roads in Kyengera, Katende, Bujjuko, Lungala, and Mpigi, and to align the design with the Standard Gauge Railway.
“The change of project scope is justifiable given the need to provide required interchanges and harmonize with the SGR,” Bahemaiso said.
He added that government has since injected additional funds to accelerate works. He also noted that about 80 percent of the 4,270 Project Affected Persons have so far been compensated.
The Inspectorate’s intervention follows a series of whistleblower complaints alleging stalled progress, unauthorized scope changes, inflated payments to the contractor beyond the value of completed works, lack of value for money, and widespread land encroachment.
