Why does it cost Uganda more to build a kilometre of road?

[Archival Sense]

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Video courtesy of parliament watch UG

A Ugandan MP has questioned why road construction costs in the country can be higher than those reported in neighbouring Rwanda and Kenya, calling for greater scrutiny of infrastructure spending.

During a sitting of Parliament’s Committee on National Economy, Bukedea County MP David Beecham Okwere asked Government to explain the factors driving the cost of road construction per kilometre.

He also questioned why foreign engineers and contractors are often given priority when infrastructure projects are financed through loans, rather than using Ugandan professionals.

“What kind of courses have our own engineers done which is quite different from what the other ones have done?”

Okwere also raised concerns about the durability of some roads, citing the Mbale-Soroti road through Bukedea, which is undergoing fresh works despite having previously been constructed.

He questioned why contractors are not subjected to longer-term maintenance obligations to ensure roads remain in good condition and taxpayers get value for money.