In November 2024, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) approved the Shs 460 billion project to upgrade the Kyenjojo (Kihura)–Bwizi–Rwamwanja–Kahunge (68 km) and Mpara-Bwizi (38 km) roads.
The project also includes upgrading 20 km of town roads to a bituminous standard. Despite its significance, the decision came under scrutiny following allegations raised by a whistleblower about the procurement process.
Whistleblower Allegations and the IGG Petition
A whistleblower petitioned the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to investigate alleged irregularities in awarding the contract to Arab Contractors. The claims included:
- Flawed Procurement Process: The whistleblower accused the authorities of unjustly disqualifying UCA Insaat, a Turkish firm, which had submitted the lowest bid, citing inadequate bid security.
- Non-compliance by Arab Contractors: It was alleged that Arab Contractors did not meet technical requirements.
- Price Manipulation: The whistleblower raised concerns about price revisions in the engineer’s estimates.
PPDA’s Investigation: Allegations Dismissed
PPDA conducted a detailed investigation and dismissed the allegations, presenting the following findings:
- Inadequate Bid Security by UCA Insaat:
The Turkish firm’s bid security lacked a correspondent financial institution in Uganda, violating procurement rules. - Compliance of Arab Contractors:
Arab Contractors were found compliant, having submitted notarized documents, evidence of sufficient equipment, and a detailed technical proposal. - Justified Price Revisions:
Adjustments in price contingencies—from 20% to 10%—were made based on recommendations from the Islamic Development Bank. This change applied uniformly to all bidders and followed international best practices.
PPDA concluded, “The evaluation process complied with procurement guidelines and ensured fair competition. The allegations lacked merit.”
Importance of the Project
The Kyenjojo-Kamwenge-Bwizi road project is vital for western Uganda, a region known for its agricultural and tourism contributions.
Key benefits include:
- Agriculture and Trade: The road will ease transport of produce and facilitate trade with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Tourism: Improved access to Kibaale National Park, a major attraction, is expected to boost tourism.
- Support for Refugees: The roads serve the Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, home to over 73,000 refugees.
- Safety and Economic Growth: Better infrastructure will reduce travel risks, enhance connectivity, and support socio-economic development.
Frustration Over Delays
Residents of Kamwenge and surrounding areas have long demanded improvements to the deteriorating roads.
Amon Twesigye, a local, lamented the slow progress:
“President Museveni pledged this road in 2011. Area MP Hon. Frank Tumwebaze and other MPs have been following up. We needed it yesterday. The River Mpanga bridge, built in 1964, is now collapsing and poses a safety risk.”
Controversies and Political Undertones
The whistleblower allegations also took a political turn, with claims that opposition MPs were behind efforts to discredit the project.
Some accused Hon. Frank Tumwebaze of influencing the award process to benefit Arab Contractors and obstructing investigations.
Tumwebaze strongly denied the accusations, calling them defamatory and baseless.
In response to defamatory reporting by an unregistered online news outlet, Tumwebaze filed a lawsuit, prompting the outlet to retract the story.
Rising Concern Over “Tender-Preneurs”
Officials noted that the delays stemmed largely from internal disputes among bidders.
A growing problem involves “tender-preneurs,” individuals or groups who sabotage procurement processes to extract personal gain when their bids fail.
Looking Ahead: Socio-Economic Benefits Expected
The road upgrade project is set to transform the region. Key expected outcomes include:
- Improved Road Safety: Reducing accidents on poorly maintained roads.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Facilitating trade and movement within western Uganda and neighbouring countries.
- Boosting Economic Growth: Opening up markets, promoting tourism, and improving the quality of life for residents.
Despite initial hurdles, the project now moves forward with hopes of delivering critical infrastructure to the region.
Approving the Shs 460bn Kyenjojo-Kamwenge-Bwizi road project is a significant step in addressing western Uganda’s infrastructure challenges.
While allegations of misconduct temporarily clouded the process, PPDA’s investigation affirmed that procurement guidelines were followed, paving the way for a transformative initiative to benefit the region’s agriculture, trade, and tourism.