Works and Transport State Minister Fred Byamukama has raised fresh concerns over attempts to inflate the cost of road projects, saying some officials allegedly sought to add billions of shillings to projects meant to improve Uganda’s infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Byamukama said roads being prepared for the tournament were initially estimated at about Shs5.5 billion, but some officials allegedly tried to push the cost higher by Shs238 billion.
According to the minister, the officials even approached President Yoweri Museveni seeking approval for the additional money. However, the request was rejected.
“The AFCON roads were initially valued at Shs5.5 billion, but there was an attempt to falsely inflate the cost. Some people even met the President and requested an additional Shs238 billion, but they were rejected,” Byamukama said.
The revelations have added to growing concerns about how much government is spending on major infrastructure projects as Uganda prepares to co-host AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania. The country is investing heavily in roads, stadiums and other facilities expected to support the tournament
Beyond the cost of construction itself, Byamukama has also raised concerns about the amount of money government is being asked to pay landowners whose properties are affected by road projects.
He told Parliament that some road projects in areas including Nakawuka, Nateete, Kilyawajjala, Kira and Matugga are facing what he described as inflated compensation claims.
The minister alleged that some government officials and engineers may be working with landowners to increase property values after obtaining information about planned road corridors.
Such practices, he said, can leave taxpayers paying far more than necessary and, in some cases, result in compensation costs approaching or even exceeding the cost of constructing the road itself.
Byamukama also pointed to overlapping responsibilities in road planning, property valuation and project implementation, saying these gaps can create opportunities for manipulation.
As the government moves to tighten scrutiny of road projects and compensation payments, Byamukama says some of the people implicated in the alleged practices have gone a step further by trying to compromise him.
The minister claimed that officials involved in the alleged land compensation racket approached him with “bags of money” in an attempt to frustrate investigations.
“They have even tried to compromise me. But I want to let them know that I am a very rich farmer,” Byamukama said.
His statement suggests that the minister is facing pressure from individuals who could be affected by investigations into inflated project and compensation costs.
Byamukama’s allegations are likely to intensify calls for greater transparency in the planning, valuation and implementation of government road projects, especially as Uganda prepares for major infrastructure demands ahead of AFCON 2027.
The key question now is whether the allegations will lead to deeper investigations and action against officials or individuals found to have manipulated road costs or land compensation processes.
