The contractor undertaking the 86-kilometre Masaka–Kyotera–Mutukula Road project has been given 90 days to commence tarmacking after the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of construction during an inspection of the project.
Byamukama said only about 30% of the works have been completed despite the project having just two years remaining on its contract, describing the progress as unacceptable for a road of both national and regional importance.
“I am concerned that with only two years remaining on the contract, only about 30% of the works have been completed. This pace is not satisfactory for a project of such national and regional importance,” the minister said.
The Shs692 billion Masaka–Kyotera–Mutukula Road, being constructed by Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO), is a key regional transport corridor linking Uganda to Tanzania and facilitating trade, tourism and cross-border movement.
To accelerate implementation, Byamukama directed the contractor to commence tarmacking within 90 days and ordered immediate measures to improve safety along the road.
“Intensify dust suppression by regularly watering the entire corridor to prevent accidents, which have become common due to excessive dust and the absence of speed humps. I will return after 90 days to confirm that tarmacking has commenced. We have removed many contractors before, and we shall remove you if you fail to fulfil your commitments,” he warned.
During the inspection, the minister also revealed that the contractor, supervising engineers and some officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport had attempted to secure an additional Shs150 billion for the project through revised proposals submitted to the Ministry of Finance. However, he said all the requests were rejected.
Byamukama added that the Ministry of Works and Transport will intensify supervision of the project to ensure the contractor improves performance, adheres to quality standards and delivers the road within the agreed timeline.
“The Ministry of Works and Transport will maintain close supervision of this project to ensure improved performance, adherence to quality standards and timely completion,” he said.
The Masaka–Kyotera–Mutukula Road is one of Uganda’s strategic regional highways, serving as a major gateway for cargo and passenger traffic between Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Construction of the project began in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2028.
