Is the Busega-Mpigi Express way a mere dream?
Press reports citing the Auditor General indicate that a number of issues have been raised regarding the completion of the Busega-Mpigi Expressway.
The road which connects Kampala to Masaka and beyond has a diversion in Mpigi that passengers say is a total inconvenience.
Allan Ssempebwa, previously the UNRA Communications Manager, and now at Ministry of Works, gives a breakdown of issues affecting the timelines of the project.
Allan opines thus: In response to concerns on the Busega—Mpigi Expressway project, in particular relating to delays and worries over value for money!
This is all understandable considering the project was expected to be completed 2 years ago but now pushed to 2027.
The delay is explained by, and indeed unique project related challenges, for instance effects of COVID-19 on the construction sector and the economy by extension; protracted land acquisition issues, at one point the infamous Nabukalu tree, which was deemed a spiritual tree blocked progress, limited funds for land acquisition.
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Compensation of land/property is compulsory, a lengthy exercise, but must be done, engaging all property owners to provide necessary documentation, in some cases missing, family disputes over land etc; the project underwent a redesign to minimise the impact on settlements and reduce costs.
It’s easy to ignore these factors but these have been major and indeed slowed down progress.
Despite these, Allan says, mitigation measures have been taken, the works have picked up a pace and physical progress is now at 46%. Land acquisition has since progressed and @GovUganda has made progress in compensating affected persons along the main Expressway alignment, now at over 90% [persons compensated].
Another reason to doubt the existence of the project is because it takes on a greenfield location, which may not be visible from the main road, leading to the perception of limited or no progress! Works is progressing!
The scope of the project includes;
✅ A dual expressway with four lanes
✅ 13 bridges totaling 709 meters
✅ 04 interchanges
✅ 04 toll plazas
✅ New link roads (21.3 km) connecting areas like Katende, Bujuuko, Kyengera, Lungala, and Mpigi to the expressway.
Currently, all bridges are above foundation level, and ongoing works include swamp treatment, earthworks, and the construction of bridge superstructures.
It’s going to be delivered, Allan adds, saying Busega—Mpigi Expressway is part of the proposed network of Expressways set to relieve current transport constraints on our road network.
