Minister warns contractors against corruption as Northern Uganda road projects begin

17 July 2026, 6:35 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

The Minister of State for Local Government, Justine Namere Nsubuga, has issued a stern warning to contractors and supervising engineers implementing the Rural Development and Food Security Project (RUDSEC), saying the government will not tolerate corruption, poor workmanship or delays in the construction of community access roads in Pader, Agago and Lamwo districts.

Speaking during the launch of the road projects at Puranga Primary School in Puranga Town Council, Namere said the era of “business as usual” in the implementation of government infrastructure projects is over.

The roads, funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank, include the 15-kilometre Kalongo–Lomoi Road (Section A) to be constructed by Safe Green (U) Limited, the 14.9-kilometre Kalongo–Lomoi Road (Section B) by Strakon Limited, the 21.6-kilometre Corner Ongwec–Tenten Road in Lamwo District by Nabet Construction Limited, and the 18-kilometre Puranga–Ogonyo–Achola Stream Road in Pader District by Unified Investment Co. Limited.

Addressing contractors and project supervisors, the minister warned against corruption, kickbacks, engineering cartels and substandard work.

She directed contractors to deliver quality, climate-resilient roads capable of withstanding heavy rains and flooding, warning that any contractor found cutting corners would face serious consequences.

Namere also ruled out contract extensions, saying all projects must be completed within the agreed implementation period.

The minister directed Resident District Commissioners, Chief Administrative Officers, district engineers and technical officers to carry out routine inspections and submit weekly reports, including photographs and videos, to monitor progress.

Representing the German Government through KfW Development Bank, Senior Portfolio Coordinator Dr. Eng. Milton Edimu said development partners expect strict accountability and value for money throughout project implementation.

He noted that although the project had taken several years to reach implementation, significant progress had been made over the past year.

He added that the German Government is committed to supporting quality infrastructure that will serve communities for many years.

Pader District LCV Chairperson Alfred Akena pledged that the district leadership would closely monitor the works to ensure contractors meet the required standards.

Akena observed that some centrally procured contractors had previously ignored guidance from local governments, resulting in poor-quality work.

The LCV Chairperson also appealed to the Ministry of Local Government to strengthen district supervision by providing transport, saying the Works Department has operated for many years without adequate vehicles and motorcycles for monitoring road projects.

Meanwhile, Aruu County Member of Parliament Christopher Komakech urged contractors not to compromise on quality, describing the road project as long overdue.

Komakech said the Puranga–Ogonyo–Achola Stream Road had been planned for nearly a decade and its implementation had faced repeated delays before finally taking off.

The legislator called for continuous oversight throughout the construction period instead of waiting until completion to assess the work.

Komakech appealed to the minister to make regular visits to the project sites during the eight-month implementation period to ensure contractors remain on schedule and maintain quality standards.

The minister concluded by urging all leaders and communities to work together to safeguard the investment, saying the success of the projects will depend on integrity, transparency and effective supervision at every stage of implementation.