economy 13 June 2026 Nile Post

Soaring Costs Halt Construction Projects in Tororo District

A significant slowdown in construction projects is evident across Tororo District as the rising cost of essential materials like cement and fuel makes building unaffordable for many, leading to abandoned sites and job losses. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/348477/rising-cost-of-living-stalls-construction-projects-in-tororo

Construction sites across Tororo District are increasingly showing signs of neglect, with unfinished walls and abandoned materials becoming a common sight. This slowdown is attributed to the escalating cost of building materials, primarily cement, which has pushed project expenses beyond the financial reach of many residents and institutions.

The situation, which intensified around April, is not a matter of choice but a direct consequence of economic pressures. A bag of cement, once priced at approximately Shs25,000, now commands a price of around Shs33,000. This substantial increase is forcing families to either postpone or abandon their construction plans altogether.

Rose Ofwono, a headteacher involved in a school construction project, highlighted the challenge, stating that the price hike from Shs26,000 to Shs33,000 per bag made it unaffordable for smaller projects to continue. This ripple effect extends to the labor force, with engineers and casual laborers reporting a dramatic decrease in job opportunities as projects stall.

Simon Oloka, a construction engineer in Tororo, expressed the severe impact on workers, noting, “My brother, we are starving. I used to run so many sites, but now I hardly find even one contract to run.” Building material suppliers point to the surging cost of fuel as the main driver behind the increased prices of both cement production and transportation. Petrol prices have climbed from around Shs5,000 to nearly Shs7,000 per liter, exacerbating the issue.

The inflationary pressure on fuel also impacts transportation for essential services, making basic needs like healthcare less accessible due to higher transport fares. Residents are calling for tangible solutions beyond economic forecasts to alleviate the financial strain.

The visible impact of these economic challenges is seen in the numerous stalled construction projects, serving as stark reminders of the prevailing cost of living crisis in the district.