The Committee on Physical Infrastructure has urged government to prioritise rehabilitation and maintenance of existing roads in the 2026/27 financial year.
The committee meeting chaired by Bugabula County South Member of Parliament, Hon. Henry Kibalya observed that it is unwise for government to construct new roads while the existing roads are dilapidated.
Lawmakers warned that delays in maintenance works will escalate costs in the long run.
The committee meeting to reviewing the Budget Framework Paper for the 2026/27 financial year took place on Wednesday, 21 February 2026.
The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala led other ministry officials to the meeting to defend their proposals.
Kibalya expressed concerns over the increasing rate of road carnage, attributing many accidents to the poor condition of roads across the country.
He called on the Minister of Works and Transport to make road safety and rehabilitation a priority in the next financial year.
“We are losing many people in road accidents and the challenge is that even expert drivers are not safe. Let us dedicate the coming financial year to saving lives,” Kibalya said.
MPs also criticised government for allocating only Shs1 billion to each district for road maintenance saying the allocation is inadequate and unfair to districts with extensive road networks or challenging terrain, such as mountainous areas.
“You cannot allocate a mere Shs1 billion to a district. The Road Fund Act is clear and should be implemented. The President must be informed that the major challenge is lack of funds to keep our roads well rehabilitated,” said Tororo District Woman MP, Hon. Sarah Opendi.
Concerns were also raised over delays in the implementation of the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), noting that while Kenya has operationalised its line and Tanzania is nearing completion, Uganda’s project stalled.
“It is painful that we are still talking about the SGR. I joined Parliament when it was on the agenda, and I may leave Parliament with it still unresolved,” Kibalya added.
Lawmakers asked government to fast-track works on the stalled road projects like the Mbulamuti Road in Kamuli District, the Kira–Kasangati Road and the Kaiso–Tonya Road in Hoima District.
Gen. Katumba Wamala, acknowledged the funding challenges facing the ministry.
He said the ministry requires Shs1.7 trillion to restore the Uganda National Roads Authority budget but only Shs536 billion has been allocated.
He added that the SGR project has been allocated only Shs56 billion out of the Shs189 billion required, while road maintenance was allocated Shs10 billion against a request of Shs55 billion.
“We cannot keep building new roads when the old stock is wearing out. Maintenance must be emphasized,” Katumba said calling on Parliament and the Ministry of Finance to reconsider the budget estimates for his ministry.
