A Shs 55 billion road construction project in Mbarara City, and Ntungamo and Kabale municipalities, funded by the World Bank, has drawn criticism over significant delays.
Multiplex Uganda Limited, the company awarded the contract, is under fire for failing to complete the work nearly four years after the project began, despite an initial timeline of one year. The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has recommended against further contract extensions, citing the contractor’s repeated inability to meet deadlines.
“We have recommended that no more extensions be granted,” said PPDA spokesperson Chris Magoba.
CONTRACTOR RESPONDS
Multiplex managing director Moses Ndege Bbosa has been unapologetic about the delays, accusing critics of being unpatriotic. “Those complaining are agents of foreign interests. They only want foreign companies to handle construction work,” Bbosa said.
He dismissed calls for accountability, adding, “I’m not apologetic at all.”
DELAYS AND ALLEGATIONS
The project, which began in May 2021, was scheduled for completion in May 2022. However, it has faced multiple extensions and remains unfinished. Allegations of improper contract awarding have also surfaced. Lt Col James Mwesigye, Western Uganda’s head of resident district commissioners, suggested collusion during the awarding process.
“There was clearly an issue with awarding this contract to a company without the capacity to handle projects simultaneously in three urban centers,” Mwesigye said.
Despite a recommendation from Mbarara City authorities to cancel the contract in 2022, higher authorities reportedly over-ruled the decision, citing the cost of restarting the procurement process.
ADMINISTRATIVE FALLOUT
The controversy has sparked tensions among local leaders and government officials. Former Mbarara city clerk Theophilus Tibihika, who chaired the committee recommending the contract’s cancellation, was abruptly transferred to Fort Portal.
A source alleged his transfer was linked to his stance against the contract, though this remains unverified. Tragically, Tibihika died in a car accident in May 2024 while serving as Lira city clerk.
OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) Patricia Ochan Okiria criticized the ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development for awarding such a significant project without due diligence. In August 2023, Okiria issued an ultimatum, demanding Multiplex to complete the works within two months.
“I will take punitive action if no work is done because the law gives me those powers,” Okiria warned.
More than a year later, no action has been taken against the contractor. Okiria has called on the ministry to provide answers regarding the initial contract award process.
CHALLENGES AND LOCAL CONCERNS
Multiplex has faced accusations of being overstretched, using the same equipment and personnel across the three municipalities rather than deploying dedicated resources for each project.
This approach has strained relationships with local authorities, leading to acrimony and political tensions. Kabale mayor Sentaro Byamugisha noted, “We are being pressured to extend the contracts, which we didn’t agree to.”
Multiplex’s proprietor, Bbosa, has petitioned President Yoweri Museveni, alleging political sabotage by local leaders.
CONCLUSION
The stalled project has left urban authorities in Mbarara, Ntungamo, and Kabale grappling with incomplete infrastructure and growing frustrations.
While the contractor defends the delays and accuses critics of political bias, the lack of progress raises questions about oversight, accountability, and the effective use of public funds. As deadlines continue to slip, local leaders and anti-corruption advocates demand answers and action to ensure such delays do not recur in future projects.
Soon 40 years of Rwandese Museveni owning Uganda isn’t long enough, but a company failing to complete work for nearly four years is a problem!
Multiplex Uganda Limited, like all other companies, need Uganda to become a real ‘country, well governed’ & only UNITED Ugandans can give this chance by ending Museveni’s ownership of the zone fromed by their tribal lands, then forming the kind of governance they want!
Soon 40 years on & what do Ugandans still expect from Museveni who will live +90 years of age & rule for life, unless stopped in UNITY?
Why will Museveni be assured of 45 years with next fake presidential he has already won?
Ugandans, please, WAKE UP, NOW!
Everything that can go wrong has, under Museveni. We need to eject the power junkie.
“Those complaining are agents of foreign interests. They only want foreign companies to handle construction work,” Bbosa said. People are tire of being fooled.
The road projects are funded by foreign organizations, it doesn’t hold water when you say critics are on foreign interests.