In a resolute message aimed at road contractors in Kampala, Prime Minister Rt Hon Nabbanja Robinah has issued a stark ultimatum, warning that the government will not hesitate to terminate contracts if contractors fail to uphold their obligations.
This decisive stance came during a high-profile inspection of ongoing road works in Kampala, where the Prime Minister, alongside key government officials, expressed dismay over delays and substandard progress.
Accompanied by KCCA Minister Minsa Kabanda, Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua, State Minister Kabuye Kyofa, KCCA ED Dorothy Kisaka, and other officials, Prime Minister Nabbanja led an inspection of several road projects in Kampala, including those awarded to Chinese companies.
The move came in response to mounting complaints from the public regarding potholes and sluggish progress on road repairs.
The Premier and her team scrutinized road works on Sir Apollo Kaggwa, Kyebando ring road, 7th Street, and 8th Street in Namuwongo, where they encountered disappointing levels of progress. Expressing her dissatisfaction, Nabbanja highlighted the sluggish pace of construction on roads whose contracts were awarded as far back as 2023.
Contractors, however, cited challenges stemming from utility companies' failure to relocate cables, hindering smooth construction progress. In response, Prime Minister Nabbanja, visibly agitated, abruptly canceled the inspection and summoned KCCA officials and contractors to her office for an urgent meeting.
In a tense encounter, Nabbanja grilled the contractors, threatening potential arrests for breach of contract. The Prime Minister's firm stance underscored the government's commitment to holding contractors accountable for delays and substandard work, reflecting a zero-tolerance approach to contractual violations.
"We will not tolerate excuses or delays in delivering on our commitments to the people of Uganda," Nabbanja asserted. "Contractors must fulfill their obligations as stipulated in their contracts, or face the consequences, including termination."
The Prime Minister's warning reverberated across the construction sector, signaling a new era of accountability and urgency in infrastructure development. As the government intensifies efforts to address Kampala's road infrastructure challenges, contractors are now under heightened scrutiny to ensure timely and quality completion of projects.
In the wake of Nabbanja's uncompromising stance, contractors face mounting pressure to expedite construction efforts and overcome obstacles to progress.
With the livelihoods and safety of Ugandan citizens at stake, the government's resolve to uphold contractual integrity serves as a beacon of hope for improved infrastructure and a better quality of life for all.
