Government has warned that it could terminate the contract for the stalled Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi–Kisoro–Mgahinga road upgrade if the contractor fails to resume work, following months of delays on the strategic infrastructure project.
The warning was issued on Friday after Finance Minister Henry Musasizi chaired a high-level meeting of ministers, Members of Parliament from Kigezi, officials from the African Development Bank (AfDB), district leaders, technical experts and representatives from the private sector to review the project’s progress.
The meeting noted that although government has largely met its contractual obligations, including financing commitments, acquisition of the right of way and compensation of project-affected persons (PAPs), construction has stalled.
According to officials, about 80 per cent of land compensation has been completed. However, physical progress on the project stands at just 2.13 per cent against a planned 37.15 per cent, with works having been suspended since June 1, 2026.
The meeting directed the Ministry of Works and Transport to take immediate measures to restore progress on the project, while the Attorney General was tasked with urgently advising government on the legal issues surrounding the contract.
Government also resolved to explore all contractual options, including terminating the contract if the contractor does not return to site. A joint field inspection involving key stakeholders will also be conducted to determine the next course of action.
Leaders from the Kigezi sub-region expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the road, warning that the approaching rainy season could further disrupt transport, tourism, trade and livelihoods.
Minister Musasizi reaffirmed government’s commitment to completing the road project and appealed to regional leaders to help resolve the remaining right-of-way issues.
He also urged project-affected persons who have already received compensation not to reoccupy the road corridor as government works to fast-track implementation of the project.
The Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi–Kisoro–Mgahinga road is expected to improve connectivity within the Kigezi sub-region, boost tourism to Lake Bunyonyi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and facilitate trade with neighbouring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
