Govt Launches 2026 Roads and Bridges Standards

The Ministry of Works and Transport has officially launched the General Specifications for Road and Bridge Works 2026, a landmark framework aimed at guiding the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of public roads and bridges across Uganda.

The new specifications serve as both technical reference documents and regulatory instruments, setting out the minimum standards for quality, safety, and performance in the country’s road infrastructure. Authorities say the move is intended to enhance consistency, improve durability, and ensure value for public investment in transport projects.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Works and Transport, Edward Katumba Wamala, emphasized the importance of strict implementation.

He tasked the Engineer-in-Chief with ensuring wide dissemination and adoption of the standards nationwide.

The Permanent Secretary, Bageya Waiswa, called on all stakeholders—including contractors, consultants, and government agencies—to fully embrace the new specifications and integrate them into contractual obligations.

Meanwhile, the Engineer-in-Chief, Stephen Kiwanuka Kitonsa, noted that the updated standards are designed to address longstanding challenges in infrastructure development, particularly the need for more durable and resilient roads and bridges.

The rollout of the 2026 specifications marks a significant step toward strengthening Uganda’s transport network, with officials optimistic that adherence will lead to improved road safety, reduced maintenance costs, and longer-lasting infrastructure nationwide.