Uganda’s Road Crisis: Where Are Our Taxes Going?

By Alexander Luyima

For over four decades, Ugandans have endured government mediocrity, with failed promises and decaying infrastructure becoming the norm. A simple road trip from Masaka to Kigali exposes this harsh reality—once you cross into Rwanda, the difference in road quality is staggering. Meanwhile, Uganda’s highways, like the Masaka–Busia Road, remain in a deplorable state, riddled with potholes, delays, and fatal accidents.

If Uganda has a government in power, a functioning Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), and citizens faithfully paying taxes, why are our roads still death traps? The recent tragic death of Rajiv Ruparelia on the Kampala–Masaka Highway is a grim reminder that tomorrow, it could be anyone—even top officials.

Billions Allocated, But Where’s the Progress?

Uganda’s road sector consistently receives one of the largest national budget allocations. In the 2023/2024 financial year, the Works and Transport sector was allocated UGX 4.4 trillion—yet visible results remain elusive.

Scandals That Expose the Rot

1. The UNRA Corruption Scandal (2016–2018) – Over UGX 24 billion was lost through inflated contracts, leading to the suspension of top officials from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), including former executive director Allen Kagina’s team.

2. The Mukono–Katosi Road Scandal (2014) – UGX 24.7 billion vanished through a fake contract awarded to EMBAO Holdings, with MPs and ministers implicated in the fraud.

3. The Isimba Dam Road Scandal (2019) – Despite massive investment, the resulting road was substandard, raising serious questions about contractor integrity and lack of oversight.

Who Is Responsible?

Ministry of Works & Transport: Gen. Katumba Wamala must demand proper funding and enforce quality standards. If his ministry is incapacitated, he should resign in dignity.

Parliament of Uganda: Why has there been no serious investigation into these scandals? Are MPs shielding powerful figures behind the scenes?

Ministry of Finance: It must release and track funds transparently—no more financial gymnastics with taxpayers’ money.

Is Gen. Salim Saleh (Kaleb Akandwanaho) Involved?

Persistent rumors of influence peddling in road contracts have raised suspicions about Gen. Salim Saleh’s connections benefitting from lucrative deals. While no direct evidence has been made public, the lack of transparency and competitive bidding fuels public distrust.

Call to Action: Enough is Enough!

1. Parliament must summon the Ministry of Works—accountability is non-negotiable.

2. Audit all road construction contracts—where is the money going?

3. Citizens must demand better—we must rise with #Mwebelelemu as #BobiWine declares.

4. Media and civil society—continue to expose corruption and incompetence without fear.

Final Word

Uganda deserves better. If our leaders can’t fix roads, hospitals, or national ID systems, they should resign and make way for competent leadership. The time for empty promises is over—we demand action!

#FixUgandaRoads #UgandaRoadScandal #WhereAreOurTaxes #KatumbaWamalaMustExplain
#SalimSaleh #Mwebelelemu #AccountabilityNow

What’s your take? Comment below or tag @MoWT_Uganda and @Parliament_UG—demand answers!

By Alexander Luyima, Investigative Analyst
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