The Mbarara District Roads Committee, chaired by Kashari North Member of Parliament Hon. Bataringaya Bazil Rwankwene, has issued a 30-day ultimatum to both former district engineer Eng. William Bananuka and his successor, Eng. Andrew Baguma, to rectify substandard roadworks completed with the first installment of one billion shillings from the central government.
This one billion shillings was allocated by the central government through the Uganda Road Fund to improve roads in every local government. However, an inspection on December 23, 2024, revealed that the Mbarara district engineers had misused the funds, resulting in poor quality roadwork.
Eng. William Bananuka, who transferred his services to Mbarara City after the issues were discovered, and his successor, Eng. Andrew Baguma, are both held accountable for ensuring the work aligns with the approved work plan.
Failure to rectify the defects within 30 days, with a deadline of February 3, 2025, will have serious consequences, warned Hon. Bataringaya.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) of Mbarara, Mr. Kaswabuli Simon Peter, representing the Chief Monitor of Government Programs, confirmed the substandard work, particularly the lack of proper construction in some areas.
Mbarara District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Ayebare Margaret Rwebyambu, expressed concern that the absence of murram and culverts in specific areas would likely lead to flooding during the wet season, disrupting transportation.
The committee has scheduled a follow-up meeting on February 13, 2025, to inspect the progress and a sitting on February 14, 2025, to discuss the findings.
