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, for example, in the West Nile sub region have stalled, despite the availability of funds.  

The committee, during the oversight visit from Monday, 17 to Friday, 21 August 2026, discovered that whereas Shs28 billion was allocated towards construction of Odrua, Alla and Osu bridges in Arua District, works have stalled since 2021.  

According to the committee, which was led by committee chairperson, Hon. Francis Zaake, the bridges which were scheduled to be completed by 2025 have stalled by non-compensation of project affected persons, exclusion of local authorities from the project planning, poor drainage systems, poor quality tarmac and silted river banks.

“No compensation has been done. Ministry of Works and Transport promised to compensate people by 2024, but up to now the affected people do not know what do next,” said Zaake, aslo Mityana Municipality representative.

The Arua District Chairperson, Cosmos Ayikobua, said that whilst the local government’s role is to mobilise communities, supervise and make recommendations, little information about the project was shared with local authorities.

“Much as there is some progress done, there are many gaps. As a district, we are at the receiving end. We have little knowledge about the scope of work and the cost,” Ayikobua said.

The new bridges are intended to replace the colonial-era timber structures to ease movement between Arua, Terego and Zombo districts.

In Madi-Okollo District, the committee learnt that it has taken Ministry of Works and Transport, through Terrain Services Limited, seven years to complete works on Aca and Gaza bridges, despite receiving funding of Shs29.5 billion.

The committee observed failure to meet project timelines for Aca Bridge works, noting that construction of the bridge began in 2019, and was due for completion in 2022.

"The State Minister for Works and Transport while at Parliament told us that this Aca Bridge was completed up to 92 percent. Based on the facts on ground, Ministry of Works and Transport will be summoned to explain the irregularities in the project before the committee,” Zaake said.

A local resident, Aziz Abilabe raised concern that the incomplete works have left roads impassable, especially during rainy seasons, posing safety risks to locals.

“We have lost some people; a school head teacher and a religious leader due to flooding. We urge government to deal with the contractor, we are not pleased with the project at all,” Abilabe said.

Bushigai County MP, Hon. Steven Wabusani, lauded the locals for providing the committee with information to aid their oversight visit.

The legislators further expressed concern over the delayed works on the Shs7 billion Amodo Bridge in Agwata, Dokolo District.

The bridge is expected to link the districts of Dokolo, Amolatar, Kaberamaido and Kalaki in North Eastern Uganda.

According to Zaake, construction works started in 2021 but to date, the project is at five percent, despite government releasing Shs500 million.

"This promise was made by President Yoweri Museveni in 2018 but it was until January this year when construction started, currently at five percent, almost a decade after the promise was made,” said Zaake.

A senior engineer at the Ministry of Works, Richard Odongo, said that works on the bridge have resumed and will be complete in 2028, following procurement of required services.

“The Amodo swamp crossing is a presidential pledge and Ministry of Works and Transport is committed to implement the project up to its completion,” Odongo said.

He added that works on the bridge delayed as a result of the backflow of water from Lake Kwania which flooded the site.

In Tororo District, the MPs urged the works ministry to put safety measures along Rubongi Bridge on Nagongera Road.

Tororo Municipality MP, Hon. Shyam Jay Tanna said, “At night the place is very dark, someone who does not know about this bridge can easily drive off. There is a need to put reflectors and also add more caution tape from where the bridge begins.”

The committee, slated to present its findings to Parliament at a later date, also inspected Nabukhaya, Nambola, Nametsimeri, Sahana and Khamitsaru bridges on the Kafa-Lwakhakha Road in Manafwa District.