(Mbarara) – A Shs 55 billion World Bank-funded road construction project in Mbarara City, Ntungamo, and Kabale municipalities has faced sharp criticism due to significant delays, with the project still incomplete nearly four years after it began.
The project, awarded to Multiplex Uganda Limited in May 2021, was originally scheduled for completion by May 2022. However, repeated extensions and unmet deadlines have frustrated urban authorities and residents. The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has now recommended against further extensions, citing the contractor’s inability to meet its obligations.
| Key Details of the Road Project | Information |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | Shs 55 billion |
| Funding Agency | World Bank |
| Contractor | Multiplex Uganda Limited |
| Start Date | May 2021 |
| Initial Completion Deadline | May 2022 |
| Current Status | Unfinished (Four years ongoing) |
Contractor’s Defense
Multiplex’s managing director, Moses Ndege Bbosa, dismissed the backlash over delays, accusing critics of favoring foreign contractors. “Those complaining are agents of foreign interests. They only want foreign companies to handle construction work,” Bbosa stated unapologetically, adding, “I’m not apologetic at all.”
Allegations of Mismanagement
Questions have been raised about the contract’s initial awarding. Lt Col James Mwesigye, Western Uganda’s head of resident district commissioners, suggested collusion during the procurement process, stating, “There was clearly an issue with awarding this contract to a company without the capacity to handle projects simultaneously in three urban centers.”
In 2022, Mbarara City authorities recommended canceling the contract, but higher authorities reportedly overruled this decision, citing the financial implications of restarting the procurement process.
Administrative Fallout
The controversy has caused administrative turbulence. Former Mbarara city clerk Theophilus Tibihika, who chaired the committee recommending contract termination, was abruptly transferred to Fort Portal. Although speculation linked his transfer to his stance on the contract, no evidence has been provided. Tragically, Tibihika passed away in a car accident in May 2024 while serving as Lira city clerk.
| Key Events in the Project’s Timeline | Date |
|---|---|
| Contract Awarded to Multiplex | May 2021 |
| Initial Completion Deadline | May 2022 |
| Cancellation Recommended by Local Leaders | 2022 |
| IGG Issued Ultimatum to Multiplex | August 2023 |
| Tibihika’s Death | May 2024 |
Oversight and Accountability
Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) Patricia Ochan Okiria criticized the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development for failing to exercise due diligence before awarding the project. In August 2023, Okiria issued an ultimatum requiring Multiplex to complete the work within two months, warning of punitive action. Despite this warning, no measures have been taken, and Okiria has demanded answers from the ministry regarding the contract.
Challenges in Implementation
Multiplex has been accused of overstretching its resources by deploying the same equipment and personnel across the three municipalities instead of dedicating sufficient resources to each site.
| Challenges Cited by Stakeholders | Impact |
|---|---|
| Insufficient Equipment Allocation | Delayed progress in all three towns |
| Political Tensions with Local Leaders | Strained relationships and coordination |
| Alleged Collusion in Contract Awarding | Oversight failures |
Public Frustration
The stalled project has left Mbarara, Ntungamo, and Kabale with incomplete infrastructure, fueling frustrations over the lack of accountability. While Multiplex’s proprietor, Bbosa, blames local leaders for alleged sabotage, residents and officials are calling for immediate action to prevent further delays and ensure the effective use of public funds.
