MPs Fume Over Stalled Bridge Projects Across Uganda

Lawmakers undertaking a national tour to assess bridge construction projects have voiced serious concerns over delays and stalled works. The Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation recently spent a week inspecting up to 30 bridges, discovering that many projects have ground to a halt, even with funds reportedly available.

In Arua District, the Odrua, Alla, and Osu bridges, earmarked for completion by 2025, have been stalled since 2021. Despite an allocation of Shs28 billion, issues such as non-compensation of affected persons, exclusion of local authorities from planning, poor drainage, and subpar tarmac quality have plagued the projects. Committee Chairperson Hon. Francis Zaake highlighted that promised compensation by the Ministry of Works and Transport has not materialized, leaving locals uncertain.

Madi-Okollo District presented similar issues, where the Aca and Gaza bridges have taken seven years to progress despite a Shs29.5 billion budget. The Aca Bridge, initiated in 2019 and due in 2022, is reportedly at 92 percent completion, a claim the committee intends to investigate further with the Ministry of Works.

Local residents shared harrowing accounts of the impact of these delays, including impassable roads during rainy seasons and loss of life due to flooding. The incomplete Amodo Bridge in Dokolo District, a presidential pledge from 2018, has seen only 5% completion despite Shs500 million released, with works only commencing this year.

While a Ministry of Works engineer cited water backflow as a cause for delay and assured that works have resumed with an expected completion in 2028, the committee remains skeptical. In Tororo District, concerns were also raised about safety measures at Rubongi Bridge, with calls for improved lighting and warning signs.

The committee is expected to present its comprehensive findings and recommendations to Parliament in the near future, aiming to address these critical infrastructure shortfalls. The inspection also covered several bridges in Manafwa District along the Kafa-Lwakhakha Road. For more details, visit the Parliament of Uganda website.