A recent government audit has revealed significant shortcomings in the maintenance of district roads in Uganda. The audit, which covered 76 local governments, found that 228 roads spanning 1,493.9 kilometres had been poorly maintained. Despite receiving the Shs1 billion Road Maintenance Development Grant on time, several district local governments, cities, and municipal councils had either delivered substandard road works or failed to complete projects. This has raised concerns about the value for money spent on road maintenance.
The audit report, submitted to Parliament by the Auditor General, highlights regional disparities in road maintenance. The Buganda sub-region recorded the highest number of poorly executed roads, with 65 roads covering 505.5 kilometres, accounting for approximately 34 percent of the total affected road network. Ankole followed closely, with 60 poorly done roads covering 486.6 kilometres across 13 districts. The Bugisu and Bukedi sub-regions also had a significant share, with 38 roads in 14 districts poorly maintained.
Other regions, including West Nile, Karamoja, Acholi, and Lango, also had poorly maintained roads, while Bunyoro registered the lowest number and length of poorly maintained roads. Furthermore, the audit found that 239 roads in 66 districts, covering 1,274.8 kilometres, had not been completed by the time of inspection. This has significant implications for the usability and safety of these roads.
According to Mr. Richard Kuku, Secretary General of the Uganda Local Government Association, inadequate funding and equipment are major contributors to the challenges faced in road maintenance. Kuku noted that the reduction in Uganda Road Fund allocations, from about Shs700 million to the current Shs10 million, has significantly impacted road maintenance. He also pointed out that the uniform Shs1 billion allocation to districts is insufficient to facilitate effective maintenance of roads.
In response to the audit findings, the government has provided equipment to local governments to support road maintenance. Mr. Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, emphasized the need for oversight and accountability in road maintenance. He noted that the Roads Act, which was enacted to address these issues, has brought in members of Parliament to oversee road maintenance.
The Auditor General’s report also identified several West Nile local governments with poorly executed roads, including Arua, Maracha, Madi Okollo, Terego, Moyo, Koboko, Zombo, Obongi, Arua City, and Nebbi Municipal Council. Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama has announced plans to begin rural road inspection visits, starting with the West Nile sub-region, and warned local leaders that arrests could follow if investigations establish that the Shs1 billion allocated for road maintenance had been misused.
Minister Byamukama’s warning underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability in road maintenance. During an inspection of national road works in Yumbe District on September 19, he emphasized the need for local leaders to take responsibility for road maintenance. The government’s efforts to address the gaps in district road maintenance are expected to improve the condition of roads and enhance the safety of road users.
Key points
- The government audit found that 228 roads covering 1,493.9 kilometres in 76 local governments had been poorly maintained.
- Inadequate funding and equipment are major contributors to the challenges faced in road maintenance.
- The government has provided equipment to local governments to support road maintenance and emphasized the need for oversight and accountability.
