Uganda: The Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation recently concluded a week-long oversight visit to assess the construction status of up to 30 bridges countrywide. During the inspection visits to the districts of Manafwa, Tororo, Madi-Okollo, and Arua, the lawmakers discovered that construction works on several bridges, particularly in the West Nile sub-region, have stalled despite the availability of funds.According to African Press Organization, the committee, led by committee chairperson Hon. Francis Zaake, found that Shs28 billion allocated for the construction of Odrua, Alla, and Osu bridges in Arua District has not been utilized, and work on these projects has stalled since 2021. The bridges, initially scheduled for completion by 2025, face delays due to issues such as non-compensation of project-affected persons, exclusion of local authorities from planning, and poor infrastructure quality.Arua District Chairperson, Cosmos Ayikobua, highlighted that local governments have been kept out of the loop regarding the project details, making it difficult for them to fulfill their roles in mobilizing communities and supervising the projects. The intention behind constructing these bridges is to replace colonial-era timber structures and improve connectivity between Arua, Terego, and Zombo districts.In Madi-Okollo District, the committee noted that the Ministry of Works and Transport, through Terrain Services Limited, has taken seven years to complete works on Aca and Gaza bridges despite receiving Shs29.5 billion in funding. Construction of the Aca Bridge, which began in 2019, was expected to finish in 2022 but remains incomplete. Hon. Francis Zaake mentioned that the Ministry of Works and Transport would be summoned to address these irregularities.Local resident Aziz Abilabe expressed concerns over the safety risks posed by the incomplete bridges, especially during the rainy season, which have led to fatalities. Bushigai County MP, Hon. Steven Wabusani, praised the local community for prov iding valuable information to aid the committee's oversight efforts.The committee also raised concerns about the delayed works on the Shs7 billion Amodo Bridge in Agwata, Dokolo District. Construction began in 2021, but progress remains at a mere five percent despite a government release of Shs500 million. Hon. Francis Zaake emphasized the delay in fulfilling a promise made by President Yoweri Museveni in 2018. A senior engineer at the Ministry of Works, Richard Odongo, assured that work on the bridge has resumed and is expected to be completed by 2028.In Tororo District, MPs urged the works ministry to implement safety measures along Rubongi Bridge on Nagongera Road. Tororo Municipality MP, Hon. Shyam Jay Tanna, highlighted the need for reflectors and caution tape to prevent accidents at the unlit bridge.The committee is set to present its findings to Parliament and also inspected other bridges such as Nabukhaya, Nambola, Nametsimeri, Sahana, and Khamitsaru on the Kafa-Lwakhakha Road in Manafwa Distric t.
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