Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has abruptly terminated a Shs 1.8 billion road construction contract in Kyegegwa District over delays and poor-quality work. The road, which stretches from Kakabara sub-county in Kyegegwa to Nabingola in Mubende District, was being developed under the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP). This initiative, managed by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), is aimed at improving infrastructure in communities that host refugees.
During an inspection of DRDIP projects in Kyegegwa over the weekend, local leaders informed the Prime Minister that PEKASA Contractors, the firm hired for the project, had failed to deliver. Originally expected to complete the road by September, the project remains incomplete months past the deadline. Leaders further complained that the road remains impassable, lacks culverts, and is too narrow to serve its purpose.
Kyegegwa LC V Chairperson, John Kisoke, criticized the contractor’s performance and requested that the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) take over the project. He noted that despite repeated efforts, the contractor had not addressed the issues. So far, PEKASA has received Shs 700 million of the Shs 1.8 billion allocated for the road.
In response, Nabbanja ordered an immediate termination of the contract.
> “Using my powers as Prime Minister, I have cancelled this contract. Let us give this work to capable people. The money must match the work done, and if it doesn’t, arrests will be made,” she said. “Even the DRDIP engineer’s contract is terminated. If you want to work with the Prime Minister’s Office, deliver results. President Museveni is tired of corruption and laziness.”
The Prime Minister also blamed local leaders for failing to monitor the implementation of government projects, which she said has enabled substandard work. She announced that a technical team from her office would assess the road’s dimensions and the quality of materials used. If the road is found to be below standard, she warned that those responsible would be held accountable.
> “How can you pay Shs 700 million for this? It’s not even worth Shs 30 million,” Nabbanja said angrily.
Hillary Onek, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, also expressed concern over corruption in the procurement process. He revealed that his office had received reports of district officials demanding bribes—up to 10 percent of the contract value—before awarding contracts.
> “We’ve heard that before contracts are awarded, some officials ask for a 10 percent cut. That’s why we end up with poor engineering work,” said Onek. “Engineer, you’re expected in Kampala by Monday—we need to reassess your qualifications.”
When contacted, PEKASA’s Managing Director, George Sande, declined to comment on the project delays. However, he stated that according to the project’s bill of quantities, the road was designed to have a 4.5-meter carriageway and a total width of 7 meters—details that reportedly differ from the district’s expectations.
