Government has announced plans to release an additional Shs42 billion to fast-track the delayed Mityana–Mubende Road project as authorities step up pressure on the contractor to accelerate works on the key highway linking central and western Uganda.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, during an inspection of the project alongside technical officials and local leaders to assess progress on the long-delayed road works.
The 86-kilometre Mityana–Mubende highway, together with a 14-kilometre upgrade of town roads, is being reconstructed by Serbian contractor EnergoProjekt. However, implementation has faced repeated delays since works commenced in 2021.
Speaking during the inspection, Byamukama expressed concern over the slow pace of construction, directing the contractor to intensify efforts and prioritise physical progress on the ground.
“Given the unsatisfactory pace of implementation, I directed EnergoProjekt the contractor to expedite construction by completing asphalt laying to Kalamba within three weeks and deploying an additional team from Mubende towards Mityana,” he said.
He further stressed that government remains committed to seeing the project completed despite ongoing contractual issues, confirming additional financing to keep works moving.
“Government remains committed to ensuring the project’s completion and will release Shs 42 billion to facilitate ongoing works while contractual disputes continue to be reviewed,” he said.
Byamukama also emphasized tighter monitoring mechanisms to ensure value for money and adherence to revised timelines, noting that priority should be placed on actual construction rather than prolonged negotiations.
The road project, initially expected to be completed in 2024, has since been extended to 2027 due to persistent delays, with government so far releasing approximately Shs195 billion out of the estimated Shs395 billion total cost.
Officials have now placed the contractor under an 8-month ultimatum to ensure completion by early 2027, as pressure mounts to deliver the strategic transport corridor linking central Uganda to the western region.
