Uganda’s Parliament has summoned the Minister of State for Works and Transport, Hon. Musa Ecweru, to provide a detailed report on the country’s road infrastructure following a surge in road accidents. The recent death of businessman Rajiv Ruparelia on the Kajjansi-Munyonyo Expressway sparked concerns among MPs, who criticized the ministry for lack of clear guidance on road maintenance and funding after the dissolution of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) in December 2024.
Key Concerns:
Leadership Vacuum: MPs expressed alarm over the lack of supervision and unclear responsibilities in road maintenance since UNRA’s dissolution.
Deteriorating Road Conditions: Legislators highlighted poor conditions on rural roads, with many being impassable.
Neglect of Non-Tarmac Roads: MPs emphasized the need for maintenance of marram roads, which constitute the majority in rural Uganda.
Minister’s Response:
Improving Road Safety: Minister Ecweru committed to enforcing professional conduct among contractors and conducting road safety inspections.
Addressing Contractor Issues: The ministry plans to ensure adequate warnings and safety devices are in place at work zones.
Parliament has demanded accountability from the ministry to convince them that the Works Ministry is doing its job effectively.
