By. GERALD NIYIRINDA
Residents of Kisoro District have called on the government to introduce stricter safeguards in the award of public infrastructure contracts, urging authorities to require contractors to provide recoverable assets or financial guarantees before taking on major road projects.
The calls follow public concern over the delayed Kisoro–Mgahinga road project, amid allegations that more than Shs16 billion was paid to the contractor despite little visible progress on the ground.
The government has since announced plans to procure a new contractor to complete the stalled Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi and Kisoro–Mgahinga road projects, a move that local leaders and residents believe could restore public confidence and revive economic activity in the Kigezi sub-region.
The two roads were earmarked for upgrading to high-quality tarmac standards under a Shs112 billion project. The 15.8-kilometre Kisoro–Mgahinga road was commissioned on June 13, 2025, by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa.
The project is financed through a partnership between the African Development Bank, which is contributing 85 percent of the funding, and the Government of Uganda, which is providing the remaining 15 percent.
Samcrete Egypt Engineers and Contractors was awarded the contract, with works expected to be completed within 18 months, followed by a three-year maintenance period.
However, construction stalled after the contractor abandoned the site, raising concerns among residents, local leaders and tourism operators who depend on the road network.
The matter was raised in Parliament on July 8, 2026, by Ndorwa West Member of Parliament Eliab Naturinda Mporera during a plenary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
Responding to the concerns, Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama said the government had terminated the contractor’s engagement and had begun the process of identifying a replacement to complete the project.
Speaking to our reporter, Niyonzima Julius, Kisoro resident urged the government to tighten contract enforcement by ensuring every contractor awarded a major public project provides performance security or valuable assets that can be recovered if contractual obligations are not met.
Another resident, Bernard Mbereyinka, said the prolonged delays had frustrated communities and denied the district the anticipated benefits of improved transport, tourism and trade.
He noted that businesses, farmers and tourism operators continue to incur higher transport costs due to the poor condition of the road.
Meanwhile, Kisoro Assistant Resident District Commissioner John Nizeyi assured residents that the government had already halted the contractor’s operations and was taking the necessary steps to ensure the project is completed under a new contractor.
The Kisoro–Mgahinga road is considered a strategic tourism route, providing access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and supporting local economic activities. Residents say its timely completion remains essential for improving connectivity and unlocking the district’s tourism and development potential.
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