The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), a government agency under the Ministry of Works and Transport, is responsible for constructing and upgrading roads across the country.
However, the construction of the Kyenjojo-Kamwenge road—an important 105 km stretch connecting several towns—has recently become the center of a major controversy.
While UNRA regularly invites local and international contractors to bid on such projects, the Kyenjojo-Kamwenge road has drawn unique attention. The project is being funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), which stipulated that the contractor chosen for the job must be from an Islamic country.
This condition opened the door for several Arab contractors, with three companies notably vying for the contract: Arab Contractors led by Ahmed Al-Nassar, SAMCO from Egypt, and United Gold Construction Company (UGCC) from Uganda.
However, the bidding process has been marred by allegations of political influence and corruption. According to reports, the contract for this road project is likely to be awarded to Arab Contractors, a company that, critics argue, is unqualified to handle such a large infrastructure project.
The disturbing aspect is that this decision is believed to have been influenced by the Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the Member of Parliament for the area and Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture. Tumwebaze, who has been a long-time advocate for the construction of this road, has publicly stated that he will fight for the project at any cost, even if it means taking on political adversaries.
In a phone interview with TV10’s Gano Mazima, Tumwebaze defended his position, saying:
“I have been fighting for this road to be constructed for over a decade, and I will not let anyone waste my energy. I am ready to battle with anyone who tries to stand in my way.” His words echoed his intense desire to see the project completed, but they also raised eyebrows about his involvement in the selection of the contractor.
As the controversy grew, Moses Matovu, a prominent freedom fighter and member of the National Economic Development Dialogue (NEDD), took legal action. Matovu filed a lawsuit against Arab Contractors, accusing the company of being unqualified for the job and of receiving undue influence in securing the bid.
According to Matovu, the company was awarded the contract because of corrupt dealings involving Tumwebaze, who allegedly facilitated a bribe to ensure the Arab Contractors would win the bid.
Matovu’s lawsuit also implicates the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Hon. Betty Kamya, for failing to investigate and take action against the alleged corruption.
Matovu claims that the IGG’s inaction, despite numerous complaints, suggests complicity in the matter. “We cannot stand by and watch as public funds are misused in this manner. The right thing must be done, and the law must take its course,” Matovu said in a public statement.
The Kyenjojo-Kamwenge road project, which spans across Kyenjojo, Bwizi, Rwamwanja, Kamwenge, and Rwamwanja, is critical for improving regional connectivity and boosting economic activity in these areas.
Yet, instead of focusing on the potential benefits of the project, the controversy surrounding the bidding process has raised serious questions about governance and transparency in Uganda’s infrastructure sector.
As the legal battle unfolds, many Ugandans are left wondering whether the political influence surrounding the project will ultimately result in a delay or derailment of much-needed development. Will the road ever be constructed, and if so, will the people of Uganda truly benefit from it?
For now, the future of the Kyenjojo-Kamwenge road remains uncertain, as investigations continue and legal proceedings play out in the courts. One thing is clear—this issue is far from over.
