By KT Reporter
Road works on the 26-kilometre Busia–Tororo road have stalled due to financial constraints at the Ministry of Works and Transport. The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) contracted China Railway 18th Bureau to tarmac the road, with works expected to be completed this year.
However, progress stopped at 70 percent after the contractor withdrew machines from the site towards the end of the last financial year. UNRA spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa confirmed that the delays are largely due to funding shortfalls, which have affected several road projects across the country.
He added that the compensation of some landlords in Busia town, whose land is being encroached upon, also caused further delays.
The stalled works have left residents frustrated. They say the poor state of the road has worsened, with potholes and poor drainage, making movement difficult. Francis Wanyama, a resident of Busia, says sections of the road flood whenever it rains, inconveniencing road users.
Ahamada Kuzaima, a taxi operator, says flooding from Busia town to Mawero puts passengers at risk of accidents.
Ssempebwa noted that the government has committed to releasing funds in the new quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, and the contractor has since been granted an extension of time to complete the project by August 2026.
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