Musasizi Chairs High-Level Stakeholder Meeting to Resolve Delays On Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi–Kisoro–Mgahinga Road Project

Finance Minister Hon. Henry Musasizi today chaired a high-level ministerial and stakeholder meeting to review progress on the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi and Kisoro–Mgahinga Road Upgrade Project and agree on immediate measures to address implementation delays that have generated concern among residents of the Kigezi Sub-region.

The meeting brought together representatives from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the project's funding agency, Members of Parliament from Kigezi, District Chairpersons, Mayors, Private sector representatives, Ministers, Technical Officials from the Ministries of Finance and Works and Transport, as well as representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, the Solicitor General's Office, and political and technical leaders from the affected local governments.

The engagement focused on assessing the project's implementation status, identifying the causes of the delays, and agreeing on practical interventions to ensure the project is delivered without further setbacks.

The Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi and Kisoro–Mgahinga Road Upgrade Project is a strategic infrastructure investment intended to unlock the tourism potential of the Kigezi Sub-region while enhancing regional connectivity with neighbouring Rwanda and Burundi. The road is expected to improve trade, stimulate investment, and accelerate socio-economic development across southwestern Uganda.

During the meeting, officials noted that Government has fulfilled its key contractual obligations, including financing commitments, acquisition of the required Right of Way, and compensation of Project Affected Persons (PAPs). The Ministry of Works and Transport reported that approximately 80 percent of the required land compensation has been completed and that the project site was officially handed over to the contractor.

Despite these efforts, implementation remains significantly behind schedule. Physical progress currently stands at only 2.13 percent against a planned 37.15 percent, while construction works have remained suspended since 1 June 2026 despite several engagements aimed at resolving outstanding issues and facilitating the contractor's return to site.

Leaders from the Kigezi Sub-region expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the existing road, warning that the approaching rainy season could worsen the situation. They noted that damaged sections of the road continue to disrupt the movement of people and goods, affect tourism and business activities, and pose increasing safety risks to road users.

The meeting also expressed concern over the contractor's continued failure to demonstrate the capacity and commitment required to execute the project. Participants observed that the slow pace of implementation does not reflect the level of resources and support already provided by Government, resulting in growing public frustration and socio-economic hardship.

Following extensive deliberations, Hon. Musasizi directed the Ministry of Works and Transport to take immediate action to resolve the current impasse and restore progress on the project. The Attorney General was also tasked with urgently reviewing the legal issues surrounding the contract and advising Government on the most appropriate course of action.

Government will continue exploring all available legal and contractual remedies, including termination of the contract should the contractor fail to resume works in accordance with its obligations. A joint field inspection involving Government officials and key stakeholders will also be undertaken to assess the situation on the ground and inform the next course of action.

The meeting further agreed that leaders from the region should continue working closely with Government to resolve any outstanding Right of Way issues that could hinder implementation. Project Affected Persons who have already received compensation were also urged not to reoccupy the acquired corridor, as doing so could delay implementation, compromise compliance with social safeguard requirements, and expose them to legal consequences.

Reaffirming Government's commitment to the project, Hon. Musasizi emphasized that the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi and Kisoro–Mgahinga Road Upgrade Project remains a priority investment that will improve transport connectivity, unlock the region's tourism potential, facilitate trade, create economic opportunities, and improve livelihoods.

He thanked the people of Kigezi for their patience and continued cooperation, assuring them that Government is taking decisive steps to address the current challenges and ensure that the project is completed as quickly as possible.