The Uganda National Roads Authority budget shortfall for the just ended Financial Year was 980 billion Ugandan shillings. The Executive Director Allen Kagina said that in spite of this, the upgrading of Fort Portal – Kamwenge and Ntungamo Milamwa hills was completed. “We requested for 1.6 trillion shillings but we received 1.4 trillion shillings which means that we had a short fall of about 238 billion shillings.” UNRA completed construction on a number of bridges around the country. These include the Apac Bridge in Lira district, Manafa Bridge on the Tororo – Mbale road, Goli and Nyagak in Nebbi district, Leresi bridge in Butaleja district in Eastern Uganda. And Kabale bridge in Nakaseke district. Also completed was the Aswa Bridge on the border between Lira – Kitgum district in the North.

Kagina warned unscrupulous contractors and middle men. “Who wish to give a strong warning to contractors and consultants who are in the habit of using middlemen or unscrupulous ways in the hope of winning contracts. That any evidence of engaging in corrupt practices will lead to automatic elimination from participating from any procurement by UNRA.” Said the Executive Director, UNRA. UNRA finalized its local content policy and the new mandatory procurement program will see it sub-contract 30% to Ugandan companies. UNRA Head of Design, Patrick Muleme revealed that by 2019, the oil roads will be completed. “The expectation at this point is that Ministry of Finance will help us to secure financing from China Development Bank. Now, us delivering on time, will be dependent on the speed or at what point we get the finances.” Said, Patrick Muleme.

In UNRA’s plan for this Financial Year is the compensation for the new 77km Kampala – Jinja highway as well as the completion of the seven roads which include the Mbarara Bypass now at 73% progress, the Kampala Entebbe Express Highway at 82% progress, the Mukono – Kyetume – Katosi road, Rushere – Nswerenkye, and Gulu – Acholibur road.