IGG Clears Works PS Bageya, Orders Interdiction of Engineer Wani Over Busega-Mpigi Expressway Costs

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has officially cleared Ministry of Works and Transport Permanent Secretary Waiswa Bageya of wrongdoing in the controversial escalation of costs for the Busega–Mpigi Expressway project.

Following thorough investigations, the Inspectorate of Government established that Bageya had no hand in the initial decisions that drove up the project’s expenses. Consequently, the IGG directed the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Ruth Nakyobe Mbonye, to allow Bageya to resume his official duties without delay.

At the same time, the IGG instructed Bageya to issue an interdiction letter to Isaac Wani, the commissioner for National Roads. Investigators found that Wani served as the director of network planning and engineering at the former Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) when the costly design and planning decisions were made. Wani’s suspension is meant to clear the path for deeper investigations into his alleged involvement.

Bageya has been tasked with putting interim measures in place to ensure office operations run smoothly while Wani is suspended. The Busega–Mpigi Expressway is a critical 23.7-kilometer infrastructure initiative designed to ease severe traffic congestion along the Kampala–Masaka highway and boost regional connectivity.

Originally contracted at Shs 547.543 billion in June 2019, the project has faced massive financial inflation. The Auditor General revealed that the contract was rushed before proper engineering designs were completed. By mid-2023, cost estimates had ballooned to Shs 1.35 trillion, and officials warn the final figure could hit Shs 2 trillion due to subsequent alignment changes, additional interchanges, and scope expansions.

The project has also suffered severe delays due to funding shortfalls, land compensation disputes, and unpaid contractor dues. Although physical progress stands below 50 percent, the government has secured additional financing to push the revised completion target to December 2028.

For more details on this developing story, read the original report on The Observer.