KAMPALA – The government has announced plans to terminate Samcrete Egypt Engineers and Contractors’ contract for the stalled Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi road, which has registered little progress nearly a year after its launch.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The development was revealed by the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, while updating Parliament on the status of the works at the road that was launched in mid-last year.
The announcement follows mounting concerns raised by Ndorwa West MP Hon. Eliab Naturinda Mporera on Wednesday regarding the project’s stagnation and its devastating impact on the region’s tourism sector.
MP Eliab told Parliament that the indefinite work stoppage on the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi road has dealt a severe blow to tourism across the Kigezi sub-region, with bookings plummeting and local businesses reeling.
He cautioned that the stalemate has left road users deeply anxious over the rapidly crumbling carriageway, whose condition is expected to worsen further as the dry season sets in, posing growing risks to motorists and travellers.
“The indefinite work stoppage on the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi road has badly hurt tourism in Kigezi. Bookings have dropped, businesses are suffering, and road users are worried because the road is falling apart. The dry spell is only making things worse, increasing the dangers for road users,” MP Eliab remarked.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Byamukama told Parliament that the government has cited the contractor as incapable of delivering on the project and is moving towards terminating the contract.
The Minister assured lawmakers that upon termination, a more capable contractor will be immediately engaged to take over the works and ensure the project is completed without further delay.
“We have been forced to cite the contractor as incapable of delivering on this contract and we are moving towards its termination. Upon termination, we shall immediately engage a more capable contractor to take over the works,” Minister Byamukama stated.
The flagship project, which was launched on June 13, 2025, by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, was part of a broader Shs112 billion infrastructure program.
The contract also includes the 13.4-kilometre Kisoro–Mgahinga road, which provides access to the famed mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park.
However, a status report dated April 2, 2026, reveals a grim reality: physical progress on the works stands at a meager 2.07 percent, far behind the planned 31.85 percent outlined in the work plan.
Tourism operators in the region had earlier estimated losses of up to 30 percent in income, with business owners expressing panic ahead of the peak tourist season in July and August.
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