Uganda’s Parliament Turns Up Heat on Stalled Bridge Projects Despite Billions in Funding

KAMPALA — Uganda’s Parliament is demanding answers over a string of long-delayed bridge projects across the country, with lawmakers questioning how billions of shillings have been spent or released while key crossings remain incomplete years after their scheduled deadlines.

The Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation, chaired by Francis Zaake, concluded a week-long inspection tour on Friday, August 21, 2026, after visiting Manafwa, Tororo, Madi-Okollo and Arua districts.

The committee inspected about 30 bridges nationwide and uncovered a series of concerns, including unpaid compensation, limited involvement of local authorities, alleged poor workmanship and construction delays stretching back years.

Shs28 billion, but little progress in Arua

In Arua District, the committee found little visible progress on the Odrua, Alla and Osu bridges despite Shs28 billion having been allocated to the projects.

The three bridges were originally scheduled for completion in 2025. However, lawmakers found that work remained stalled, with communities still waiting for compensation promised to people affected by the construction.

Zaake said the Ministry of Works and Transport had committed in 2024 to compensating displaced residents but had failed to deliver.

“No compensation has been done. Ministry of Works and Transport promised to compensate people by 2024, but up to now the affected people do not know what to do next,” Zaake said.

Arua District Chairperson Cosmos Ayikobua also criticised the limited involvement of local government in the planning and monitoring of the projects.

The bridges are intended to replace ageing timber crossings dating back to the colonial era and improve connections between Arua, Terego and Zombo districts.

“Much as there is some progress done, there are many gaps. As a district, we are at the receiving end. We have little knowledge about the scope of work and the cost,” Ayikobua said.

Seven years later, Aca Bridge remains unfinished

The committee’s concerns were echoed in Madi-Okollo District, where the Aca and Gaza bridges have been under construction for years.

Contractor Terrain Services Limited has been working on the projects for seven years, with Shs29.5 billion allocated to the works. Construction of Aca Bridge began in 2019 and was initially expected to be completed in 2022.

Zaake said the committee had found a significant discrepancy between the Ministry’s reported progress and what lawmakers saw on the ground.

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“The State Minister for Works and Transport, while at Parliament, told us that this Aca Bridge was completed up to 92 per cent. Based on the facts on the ground, the Ministry of Works and Transport will be summoned to explain the irregularities in the project before the committee,” he said.

For residents, the delays have had consequences beyond inconvenience.

Aziz Abilabe, a resident, told the committee that unfinished roads and crossings had become particularly dangerous during the rainy season.

“We have lost some people, a school head teacher and a religious leader due to flooding. We urge the government to deal with the contractor, we are not pleased with the project at all,” he said.

Bushigai County MP Hon. Steven Wabusani praised residents for providing information to the committee during its inspection.

Eight years after the pledge, Amodo Bridge is only 5% complete

In Dokolo District, lawmakers turned their attention to the Shs7 billion Amodo Bridge in Agwata, a project first pledged by President Yoweri Museveni in 2018.

Despite the pledge being made eight years ago, construction only began in January 2026. The project is currently about five per cent complete, with Shs500 million already released.

Zaake said the slow progress raised questions about the implementation of a project that was designated as a presidential pledge.

Ministry engineer Richard Odongo attributed earlier delays to backflow flooding from Lake Kwania and said construction had now resumed.

He said the bridge, which is expected to connect Dokolo, Amolatar, Kaberamaido and Kalaki districts, is scheduled for completion in 2028.

“The Amodo swamp crossing is a presidential pledge and the Ministry of Works and Transport is committed to implementing the project up to its completion,” Odongo said.

Lawmakers raise safety concerns at Rubongi Bridge

In Tororo District, the committee raised concerns over safety at Rubongi Bridge along Nagongera Road, particularly at night.

Tororo Municipality MP, Shyam Jay Tanna, said inadequate lighting and warning measures could expose motorists to danger.

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“At night, the place is very dark, someone who does not know about this bridge can easily drive off. There is a need to put reflectors and also add more caution tape from where the bridge begins,” Tanna said.

The committee also inspected the Nabukhaya, Nambola, Nametsimeri, Sahana and Khamitsaru bridges along the Kafa-Lwakhakha Road in Manafwa District.

Parliament prepares to demand answers

The inspection has shifted attention from the physical state of Uganda’s bridges to the broader question of how major infrastructure projects are being managed and monitored.

The Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation is expected to table its findings before Parliament. The Ministry of Works and Transport will face questions over construction delays, reported discrepancies in project completion figures, compensation failures and other concerns identified during the tour.

For communities in Arua, Madi-Okollo and Dokolo, the issue is more immediate. Bridges promised years ago were supposed to improve access, trade and safety. Instead, many remain unfinished, leaving residents to wait for projects that have already consumed billions of shillings and, in some cases, years of government promises.