Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama has warned ministry staff and contractors against corruption in the construction of 41 kilometres of Africa Cup of Nations-related roads in Hoima and Kikuube districts, as bush clearing begins and 95% of the 395 project-affected persons consent to the works.
Byamukama issued the warning during an inspection of the roads, accompanied by Bunyoro Affairs Minister Grace Mary Mugasa, Hoima city leaders and Kikuube district officials. He said any irregularities in the project would be dealt with, stressing the need for transparency and accountability.
The inspection team included Hoima City Mayor Edward Isingoma, Resident City Commissioner Badru Mugabi and Kikuube District Chairman Paddy Kisembo, among other officials.
The team inspected the 11.7-kilometre road from Buhimba Town through Kinogozi to Kampala Road, Buhanika Road and the ring roads around Hoima City Stadium extending to Kyarwabuyamba.
The officials also stopped at Butebere, Kyarwiru and Kyakabubi villages, where they engaged residents and explained the project’s scope and benefits.
Byamukama said the roads would improve access to Hoima City Stadium, which will host matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and ease traffic congestion during major sporting events.
He cited congestion during Uganda’s AFCON qualifier against Libya at Hoima City Stadium on September 29, 2026, saying some spectators only managed to enter the stadium towards the end of the match because of traffic jams.
The minister said the roads would also provide alternative routes for motorists travelling from Kampala and Masindi, reducing dependence on existing roads that he described as dusty and bumpy.
He attributed some of the resistance to the project to inadequate public information and political interference, saying residents needed a clearer understanding of the planned works.
Byamukama explained that construction would largely be confined to existing road reserves and access roads, rather than extending into private land. However, he acknowledged that some people had built houses and established other developments within road reserves.
Although the project does not have a compensation component, the minister said special arrangements would be considered for people whose houses are directly affected by the construction.
He advised affected homeowners to engage the contractor to explore possible options, including having replacement houses built for them or receiving cash to construct homes elsewhere.
Byamukama cautioned that valuations must be handled carefully, saying some engineers could overvalue houses and leave money unaccounted for after construction.
He also warned ministry staff against colluding with contractors to inflate costs or misappropriate public funds.
The minister said the initial contractors had been removed by President Yoweri Museveni after the cost per kilometre was reportedly inflated to Shs8.5 billion. He said the current cost stood at Shs5.5 billion per kilometre.
Byamukama further directed contractors to give local residents opportunities to work on the project and engage local subcontractors so communities could benefit economically from the infrastructure investment.
He also addressed complaints that local traders were being denied opportunities to sell jerseys and other sports merchandise near Hoima City Stadium during matches.
The minister said the restrictions should end, allowing local businesses to operate near the stadium in a manner similar to trading activities around Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
Hoima City MP Dr Patrick Isingoma described the roads as a major development opportunity for the city, pledging to sensitise residents about their importance and encourage public support for the project.
Mugasa commended residents who had consented to the use of their land for the infrastructure works, saying the roads would stimulate development in the region.
Mayor Isingoma thanked President Museveni for selecting Hoima for major infrastructure investments, saying the projects had contributed to hotel construction, increased business activity and expanded trade.
According to the project update presented during the inspection, 395 people are affected by the works, with 95% having consented to the project. Byamukama said discussions were continuing with the remaining 5%, including some people who had taken legal action, with the aim of resolving outstanding concerns.
Bush clearing has started, while the official launch of construction is scheduled for next week.