Minister Nameere Launches Community Road Works, Warns Contractors Against Delays and Shoddy Work

By Peterson Hiirya.

The State Minister for Local Government, Hon. Justine Nameere Nsubuga, has officially launched the construction of community access roads under the Rural Development and Food Security (RUDSEC) Project, calling on contractors to deliver quality work within the stipulated timelines and warning that the government will not tolerate delays, corruption, or substandard infrastructure.

Speaking during the launch in Serere District, Nameere said the road projects form part of the government’s broader strategy to improve rural connectivity, strengthen agricultural value chains, and transform livelihoods across the Teso Sub-region

She noted that under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government of Uganda, in partnership with the German Government through KfW Development Bank, is investing in rural infrastructure to help farmers transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.

“Our goal is to unlock the vast agricultural potential of this region by connecting farmers to profitable markets through reliable road infrastructure,” she said.

The minister announced the commencement of three major road projects under the RUDSEC programme.

These include the 14.9-kilometre Serere–Upper Shops–Akobol and Kamod–Otimong–Akobi Road in Serere District, which will be constructed by Taba Services Ltd at a cost of more than UGX 1.14 billion.

In Soroti District, Magambi Civil Engineering (U) Ltd will construct the 13.5-kilometre Atirir–Orungo Border Road valued at approximately UGX 1.16 billion, while Cab Uganda Limited will undertake the 12.8-kilometre Ochero–Bugoi Road in Kaberamaido District at a cost of nearly UGX 997 million.

According to Nameere, the roads represent much more than physical infrastructure, saying they are expected to improve access to healthcare, education, and markets for thousands of residents across the three districts.

“These roads are about ensuring pregnant mothers can safely reach health facilities, children can access schools throughout the year, and farmers can transport maize, sim-sim, cassava and other produce to markets without losses caused by impassable roads,” she said.

The minister issued a stern warning to contractors and supervising engineers, stressing that the Ministry of Local Government would enforce strict accountability throughout the implementation period.

“The era of business as usual is over. There will be no extensions and no excuses. The RUDSEC project timeline runs strictly up to 2028, and there are no additional resources for delays,” she warned.

She directed contractors to ensure that all roads are built to withstand the effects of climate change, including heavy rains and flooding, emphasizing that any contractor found delivering substandard work would face contract termination and blacklisting from future government projects.

Nameere also cautioned technical officers and local government officials against corruption, warning that officials who certify incomplete or poorly executed works would face disciplinary action.

“I will not tolerate collusion between contractors and government officials at the expense of ordinary Ugandans,” she said.

She tasked Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), district chairpersons, and other local leaders to regularly inspect construction sites instead of relying solely on written progress reports.

The minister further appealed to communities to safeguard the road infrastructure by preventing vandalism of road signs, culverts, and drainage structures, while encouraging farmers to fully utilize the improved transport network to increase agricultural production and household incomes.

The launch attracted several political and administrative leaders from the Teso Sub-region.

Among those in attendance were Serere District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Esther Lucy Acom, Serere County MP Hon. Emmanuel Omoding, and Pingire County MP Hon. Peter Ojiit. Also present was the Serere District LC V Chairperson, Eng. Martin Onguruco, alongside district technical staff, cultural leaders, contractors, project supervisors, and representatives from the Ministry of Local Government.

Speaking after the launch, representatives of the contracting firms assured government and the local communities of their commitment to delivering quality work within the agreed timeframe. They pledged to mobilize equipment immediately and officially commence construction works on Monday, expressing confidence that the projects would be completed before the contractual deadlines.

The RUDSEC project is expected to improve transport links, reduce travel time, and lower the cost of moving agricultural produce from rural communities to markets. Government believes the improved road network will stimulate local economic growth, increase household incomes, and enhance access to essential social services across Serere, Soroti, and Kaberamaido districts.

Concluding the event, Nameere expressed gratitude to the German Government for its continued support towards Uganda’s rural infrastructure development through the Ministry of Local Government.

She then officially flagged off the construction works, urging all stakeholders to play their respective roles in ensuring the roads are completed to the highest standards.

“Let the work begin, let it be done perfectly, and let it be done on time,” she said.