Speaker Among Demands Answers Over Deadly Roads and Delayed Projects

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has raised alarm over the worsening condition of national roads, warning that the situation poses serious risks to Ugandan road users, especially during the current rainy season.

Among pointed to stalled projects, poor contractor performance, and a lack of basic safety measures as contributing to the danger.

She specifically cited sections of the Entebbe Expressway and the Kampala Northern Bypass, which she said lack proper warning signage near concrete barriers and other hazards.

“On certain roads, such as the Entebbe Expressway and the Kampala Northern By-pass, sections containing concrete and other road barriers lack sufficient warning signs at reasonable distances,” she said on the floor of Parliament.

She also questioned whether the government's recent rationalisation of road sector agencies, including the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), had resulted in improved safety or efficiency.

“When this House supported the rationalisation of some entities in the road sector, we hoped for greater efficiency and effectiveness. However, the current reality suggests otherwise,” she added.

Among’s concerns come at a time when the country is reeling from a spate of deadly road accidents, including two involving YY Coaches, a popular passenger bus company.

The Ministry of Works and Transport last week suspended YY Coaches’ operations for 15 days following two fatal crashes in the space of just one month.

The ministry cited speeding, driver negligence, and failure to adhere to traffic guidelines as key factors behind the accidents.

The Speaker has now directed the Minister of Works and Transport to report to Parliament by Wednesday, May 14, with a full update on three fronts: actions taken against negligent contractors and government supervisors, progress on stalled road works, and how key staff from merged road agencies have been absorbed and deployed.

She posed the following questions for immediate response:

• What disciplinary or legal steps have been taken against contractors and government personnel who have failed to ensure road safety?
• What measures are in place to ensure road projects are resumed and completed on schedule?
• How have staff from rationalised road agencies been integrated into ongoing operations?

Among’s remarks reflect growing frustration in Parliament over mounting road deaths and long-running project delays across the country.

Lawmakers from various regions have repeatedly flagged pothole-ridden highways, poor drainage, and lack of signage as urgent threats to lives and commerce.

The Ministry of Works and Transport is expected to provide a detailed response on Wednesday addressing these concerns and outlining plans to restore confidence in the road sector.