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Tag: Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA)

  • Dott Services Ltd must be compensated, Court of Appeal maintains

    Dott Services Ltd must be compensated, Court of Appeal maintains

    The Court of Appeal has stayed the decision of the High Court to have the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) pay compensatory damages worth Shs29bn to Dott Services, a construction company for delaying it to commence roadworks in Eastern Uganda.
    Justice Elizabeth Musoke of the Court of Appeal in her September 28 judgment maintained that the decision of the High Court to compensate Dott Services was rightly arrived at.
    “The allegation that the monies paid to Dott were not payable cannot be sustained. I earlier stated that UNRA, upon its own voluntary evaluation, deemed that Dott was entitled to payment of Shs29b for the relevant delays. It could not, therefore, assert otherwise,”  she ruled.
    Adding: “I would also dismiss the allegation that Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) acted fraudulently when it approved the payment made to UNRA. My assessment of the evidence revealed that UNRA acted independently from PEC, when it approved the payment to Dott Service .
    “Whereas, PEC recommended the payment of Shs33b, UNRA paid a lesser amount of Shs29b. This means that the final computation of the money paid to Dott was done by UNRA and cannot have been due to fraudulent acts of PEC whose evaluation was overlooked.”
    The other justices who concurred with the judgment were Muzamiru Kibeedi and Christopher Gashirabake.
    Court documents show that in 2010, UNRA entered into two road construction agreements with Dott Service for the maintenance and construction of Tororo-Mbale road (49km) and Mbale-Soroti road (103km).
    The signing of the contracts took place on October 22, 2010, and the agreed commencement date for their execution was November 21, 2010.
    The roadworks were expected to be concluded in 18 months.
    Unra was required under the relevant contracts to take certain steps to ensure that the roadworks commenced as soon as possible.
    However, UNRA delayed by 509 days, an omission that prompted Dott Services to seek compensation in court.
    UNRA, subsequently, contracted PEC to evaluate the compensation claims. After several discussions, PEC finally zeroed down on compensating Dott Services ggg Shs12b for the Tororo-Mbale and Shs20b for the Mbale-Soroti road, totaling to Shs33b compensation.
    But there were subsequent discussions between UNRA and Dott that saw them settle on even a much lower compensation figure of Shs29b, which is the amount UNRA paid to Dott.
    In 2016, UNRA initiated an internal audit into the amount of money to be paid to Dott. The findings of Mr Moses Kasakya, Unra’s director of Internal Audit, stated that Dott was overpaid and that it was entitled to a lesser compensation of about Shs8b. UNRA then instituted proceedings against Dott and PEC before the High Court.
    Via Daily Monitor online
  • UNRA Wants EC To Leave Offices To Pave Way for Construction of Kampala Flyover

    UNRA Wants EC To Leave Offices To Pave Way for Construction of Kampala Flyover

    Media reports indicated that UNRA warned EC last of the impending eviction after several talks of the commission to vacate the place to pave way for the construction of the Kamapla flyover project, fell on deaf ears.

    Despite the compensation of Shs20bn in 2016, the EC has bypassed several deadlines to vacate the premises including one in 2020 which was called off due to the impending general election at the time, and another in June 2021 which has since passed.

    Mr Allan Ssempebwa, the UNRA spokesperson said that lot two of the project affects part of Centenary Park, Kitgum area, and the EC offices but they are pending relocation of the occupants for the preliminary work which is long overdue to commence.

    “The law allows us to demolish or force eviction of an entity or individual whom we have compensated and has refused to relocate. The EC area that you are asking about was cleared and we should be demolishing that area,” Mr Ssempebwa said.

    The government has since released an additional Shs40bn, which brings to Shs60bn, the total amount for the electoral commission to facilitate their relocation but the procurement process has hit a snag with another investigation launched a fortnight ago by the Inspectorate of government which is a lurking potential for derailing the already overdue process of relocation.

    In November 2016, the EC started the process of vacating the current offices started after they published in a local publication for an open public procurement process, three bidders showed interest but did not add to their expectations of an ideal space for offices.

    In April 2017, another process commences through the required PPDA regulations and eight bidders showed interest but they were also kicked out on grounds of failed eligibility and administrative requirements.

    In August 2017, another advert was placed in newspapers and nine bidders showed applied and the best bidder faced contestation from competitors which derailed the process pushing it to the following year after which the bid validity expired.

    In June 2021, EC opted for a direct procurement process after receiving three unsolicited bidders but they got interested in two which they separately visited. Upon their initial assessment, Property Services Limited ticked most of its boxes for what an ideal premise would look like.

    Mr Mulekwah said, “We have always been looking for enough parking space, stores, warehouses, enough space for offices, it has enough room for expansion and printer space. We needed a place that can give us our own nomination for presidential candidates and a tally center and other activities.”

    Mr Paul Bukenya, the EC spokesperson said, “The continued stay in this place is affecting us including the upcoming elections of women elections and LC1 and LC2. Whenever we go for tallying or nominations at a place like Kyambogo University, the entire neighborhood closes their activities for all the days we stay there.

    A President Museveni letter dated March 7, 2022, about the same subject indicated that a report had been submitted to him indicating that the preferred building in Butabuka is located in a wetland, giving the Bweyogerere building which is on four acres an edge.

    But a certificate seen by this newspaper indicated that Property Services Limited’s boundaries are 150meters away from the Nema line and had been commissioned by President Museveni in 2008 with all clearances including Kampala City Authority (KCCA).

    However, multiple sources who did not want to be named in this story saying it has become a sensitive matter told this publication that the procurement process has since shifted from looking at technical issues and some people are fighting for their individual interests.

    “Most of these delays are sponsored by parties interested in one way or another. For instance, EC is renting on three buildings in Ntinda, Luzira, and Kyambogo and the owners of these places wouldn’t want to lose this money,” one of the sources said.

    Ms Ali Muniira, the IGG spokesperson said that the investigations are still ongoing and are yet to take shape, “By next week we shall have a better picture of the investigations as we await reports from various entities.”

    The IGG investigation follows another process by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) was petitioned in 2019 on grounds of fraudulent procedures but the tribunal got EC off the hook and cleared the acquisition of a new home

    Asked what this means for the EC, Mr Leonard Mulekwah, the EC secretary, said that they are “stuck” and still encountering losses as the commission grapples with the problem of floods, disruptions, and unhealthy neighborhoods.

    “It is the mandate of government to house us, we already have so many problems of floods which ravage the place whenever it rains. Even before the construction processes came up, we had requested for relocation but as it is now we can’t move until the IGG clears us,” Mr Mulekwah said in an interview for this story.

  • It’s back!!! Works on Malaba-Kampala Railway kicks off

    It’s back!!! Works on Malaba-Kampala Railway kicks off

    Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has confirmed that repair works on Malaba-Kampala Railway have kicked off.

    Following President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s directive to shift cargo off the Road to the Railway network, UNRA said National Entreprise Corp (NEC), a UPDF commercial arm has commenced Rehabilitation and Maintenance of 02 sections of the Malaba—Kampala line 100km and Tororo—Gulu line 375.4km. This comes after the danger posed by cargo transported by Trucks. Truck drivers have become prone to the deadly pandemics.

  • MP Ogwang applauds new KIA Motors Parliament buses

    MP Ogwang applauds new KIA Motors Parliament buses

    Usuk County Member of Parliament (MP), Peter Ogwang has applauded new buses purchased by Parliament of Uganda to transport delegates during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) slated for 22nd to 29th September at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

    The MP said all is set for Uganda to host the 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC). The vehicles will be retained as property of Government of Uganda after the conference and will be used by Parliament to oversee MPs’ oversight role.

    “Today, I inspected brand new buses that are already at KIA Motors in Kampala for transporting our delegates for the upcoming Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference slated for September 22 to 29. Even after the Conference, these vehicles will be retained for parliamentary activities,” Peter Ogwang tweeted.

    “Having a ‘touchy’ feel inside one of the #64CPC2019 buses. These vehicles will remain Property of Uganda and will be used by Parliament to facilitate MPs’ oversight role,” he added.

    In related development, Peter thanked the government for turning barriers into opportunities. This is after the 300k which has been taking 4-5 hours from Nakasongola to Amolatar on the road can now take one hour using a public ferry on Lake Kyoga.

    “The 300km journey that would have taken me about 4-5 hours from Nakasongola to Amolatar on road, this morning took me only one hour aboard a public ferry on L.Kyoga. Thank you President Kaguta Museveni, Uganda National Roads Authority, Uganda Road Fund & government of for turning barriers into opportunities,” Peter Ogwang said.

  • Kampala-Entebbe Expressway to be commissioned this Friday

    Kampala-Entebbe Expressway to be commissioned this Friday

    Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has confirmed to this website that Kampala-Entebbe Expressway is lit and complete and will be commissioned this Friday by HE President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

    The Chinese Vice Premier, Wang Yang who is set to arrive in Uganda today 13th June 2018 for a four day state visit will also be part of the Commissioning ceremony.

    The 51km road was constructed by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and this Friday it will be opened for use.

    “We can confirm that the Kampala – Entebbe Expressway (51km) is LIT!!! And that it will be commissioned this Friday June 15th by H.E Kaguta Museveni,” UNRA posted.

    President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
  • Dott Services signs new contract with UNRA to reconstruct Tirinyi Road

    Dott Services signs new contract with UNRA to reconstruct Tirinyi Road

    Latest information reaching our desk has it that Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and Dott Services have signed a new contract. This will see Dott Services reconstruct Tirinyi Road.

    The Minister for Works and Transport Hon Monica Azuba Ntege informed MPs on the Committee of Physical Infrastructure that Uganda National Roads Authority has signed a new contract with Dott Services for the reconstruction of the road. The road works is to last for 22 months and will start next month.

    “The Minister for Works & Transport Hon Monica Azuba Ntege informs MPs on the Committee of Physical Infrastructure that @UNRA_UG has signed a new contract with Dott Services for the reconstruction of Tirinyi road. The road works to last 22 months will start in 2 weeks time,” Parliament said.

    The Minister was accompanied to committee by UNRA Board chairman Hon. Fred Mandir Jachan Omach.

  • UNRA team inspects Ntungamo-Mirama Hills Road

    UNRA team inspects Ntungamo-Mirama Hills Road

    Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) today joined stakeholder and engaged them in undertaking UNRA works.

    Today the roads’ body team had a site inspection for Ntungamo-Mirama Hills Road with Bishop Nathan Ahimibisibwe, area MP Hon.Gerald Karuhanga and entire district leadership.

    The road is nearing completion. When complete, the road will be a good asset that is going to boost trade along the Northern Corridor Route.

  • UNRA to use local content as the road’s body kicks off new financial year

    UNRA to use local content as the road’s body kicks off new financial year

    Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Executive Director, Allen Catherine Kagina has said the road’s body will start using local content as a way of developing Uganda. She revealed this yesterday during End of Financial Year media briefing at the authority’s offices at Nakawa.

    In March 2017, PPDA issued guidelines to procurement entities for ensuring that Ugandans participate in the building of the country and to control the outflow of foreign currency. UNRA as a key implementer of large infrastructure projects is taking this guidance very seriously and therefore has immediately started implementing the guidelines. All contracts that are being let out allow for the mandatory 30% to be sub-contracted to Ugandan companies.

    End of Financial Year 2016/2017 Media Briefing

    Introduction

    The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), was established by an Act of Parliament in 2006 and commenced operations in July 2008, making 2016/17 its 9th year of service. The organisation which was established to implement Government policies and programmes for the road sector is primarily responsible for maintaining, operating and developing the National Road Network. The National Road Network which comprises 20,544km of roads, 519 bridges and 9 ferries has, since establishment of the organisation, been maintained in a fair to good condition while the paved road stock continues to increase annually.

    1.1 GOVERNANCE

    In March 2017, the Minister of Works and Transport appointed a new Board of Directors, comprising:

    Fred Jachan Omach – Chairman;

    Eng. Samson Bagonza;

    Eng. Dr. Umaru Bagampadde;

    Dr. Joseph Muvawala;

    Laban Mbulamuko;

    Petra Sansa; and

    Allen Kagina, Executive Director (ex-officio).

    We are glad to have the full Board and we thank the Hon. Minister for taking this quick action which avoided creating a vacuum in Governance and management of the organization. The UNRA Top Management which comprises the Executive Director and 9 Directors is also fully constituted.

    I now wish to provide the key highlights of the performance of the organisation for the year 2016/17, and to provide an insight to the plans for this year 2017/18.

    PERFORMANCE: KEY ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2016/17

     FINANCIAL

     UNRA receives funding, for its recurrent expenditure and development from Government of Uganda (GoU) with the support of the Development Partners. This is used mainly for the design, rehabilitation and improvement of the paved roads and upgrading or construction of new roads.

    In addition, UNRA receives funds from the Uganda Road Fund specifically for the maintenance and operation of the National Road Network. Below is a summary of the funds received last FY and the performance of the budget.

    Summary of the Budget and Performance

    Approved (Rev) Budget FY 2016/17

    Cum. Releases Q1+Q2+Q3+Q4

    Payments as of 29 Jun 2017

    Unreleased Budget as of 29 Jun 2017

    Road Development

    1,661,419,607,151

    1,422,842,711,841

    1,418,256,697,185

    238,576,895,310

    Road Maintenance

    267,917,000,000

    217,155,481,742

    217,052,210,019

    50,761,518,258

    Road Development Budget: UNRA received 86% of the revised budget that was allocated for the road network development. The shortfall in the budget release resulted in UNRA not being able to meet all payment obligations on ongoing contracts by the end of the year, which resulted in closing the year with an outstanding debt of UGX 243.5 billion. This debt has been carried over to 2017/18.

    Maintenance Budget (URF): UNRA received 81% of the budget that was allocated to road maintenance which was fully utilised. A total of UGX50.8 billion was not released by the URF. On top of this disrupting and constraining progress of the road maintenance workplan, this also left UNRA with an outstanding debt of UGX 30.25 billion on the road maintenance programme by the close of the year. This obligation will have to be catered for in the new FY.

    Overall, UNRA absorbed 100% of the GoU budget released for the maintenance and development of roads in 2016/17.

    CORPORATE STRATEGY

    In 2016, management started the process of envisioning and formulating the Corporate Strategic Plan and I am happy to report that this has been successfully concluded. The process has enabled us to align the Mission and the Vision to UNRA’s business. The strategic plan will now help the organisation to stay focused on achieving them. The restructuring and the new strategy bears a big load on management to deal with the effects of fundamental changes effectively.

    STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

    Stakeholder engagement remains on top of our agenda and therefore we have continued to engage with all our stakeholders at all levels throughout the year. We have been able to carry out several supervision visits on the network while at the same time engaging with the communities, project affected persons and the political and local leaders along the road. This has enabled us to communicate UNRA’s programmes more effectively and at the same time receive valuable feedback. Engagements have also been with other key stakeholders, who included the development partners and other Government institutions.

    PROJECT PREPARATION

    Network Planning

    Management prepared a multi-year investment plan to optimise the resources in the best way possible that will be used to improve the network and create better roads for users. The summary of the established replacement costs for the National Road Network is as follows:

    Current Depreciated Replacement Cost (CDRC) for the paved road network is UGX 11.5 trillion;

    The Current Replacement Cost (CRC) for the paved network is UGX 14.4 trillion;

    The CDRC for the unpaved road network is UGX 302 billion; and

    The CRC is for the unpaved road network is US$ 670 billion.

    Project Formulation

    During the year, UNRA prepared a number of projects for which Government was able to secure financing from its Development Partners. These projects are:

    No.

    Programme Title

    Project Title

    Financier

    1

    Multinational Uganda/ Rwanda

    Busega – Mpigi

    AfDB

    2

    Multinational Uganda/ Kenya

    Kapchorwa – Suam

    AfDB(before Parliament)

    3

    Upgrading of Tirinyi – Pallisa – Kumi/Kamonkoli Road

    Tirinyi – Pallisa – Kumi/Kamonkoli Road

    IsDB

    4

    Upgrading Rwenkunye – Apac – Lira – Acholibor

    Rwenkunye – Apac – Lira – Acholibor Road

    IsDB

    5

    EDF 11

    Atiak – Moyo

    EU

    6

    Upgrading Masaka – Bukakata (41KM)

    Masaka – Bukakata (41KM)

    BADEA (OFID)

    7

    Upgrading of Luwero – Butalangu

    Luwero – Butalangu Road Project

    BADEA (OFID)

    8

    Kampala Flyover Project

    Kampala Flyover Project

    JICA

    9

    Construction of New Bridge across River Nile (additional US$ 49.1m)

    Construction of New Bridge across River Nile is already ongoing

    JICA

    The procurement for these projects is already underway and implementation is expected to commence within 2017/18 for all projects.

    Studies & Designs Undertaken for FY 2015/16 – 2016/17 and Completed by Jun 2017

    IN-HOUSE

    Feasibility Study and Detailed Engineering Design

    • Masodde – Nkooko – Nalweyo Road with a spur from Nkooko to Nalweyo (98Kms);

    98

    Buhimba – Kabaale swamp – Nalweyo – Kikwaya – Kakumiro road (100kms);

    100

    Atiak – Moyo – Afogi road (105km)

    105

     

    Preliminary designs for Critical Oil Roads

    Masindi-Biiso, 54km

    Masindi-Bugungu via Murchison Falls National Park, 80km;

    Kaseeta – Lwera via Bugoma Forest, 16km;

    Hohwa-Nyairongo-Kyarushesha- Road, 25km;

    Wanseko-Bugungu Road, 23km;

    Kyotera – Rakai, 20km;

    Bugungu – Buliisa, 29km;

    Kabale – Kiziramfumbi road, 30km;

    Pakwach – Parra, 23km;

    Kabwoya-Buhuka, 43km;

    Karugutu-Ntoroko, 55km.

    Designs for Road Rehabilitation

    Fort portal – Kyenjojo Road (50Km);

    Fort portal – Hima (55Kms);

    Hima- Katunguru (58);

    Ishaka – Katunguru (89Km).

    CONSULTANCY

    Feasibility study for road upgrading

     

    Kabwohe-Bwizibwera/Nsika-Ibanda-Kabujogera-mahyoro-Rwenjaza/kyambura (204Km),

    Goli- Paidha-Zombo-Warr-Arua (104Km),

    Lusalira-kasambya-Nkonge-Ssembabule (97Km),

    Kitgum- Kidepo (115Km).

    Detailed Designs for road upgrading

    Dokolo- Amolatar Roads (92Km)

    Kitala-Grenge (9km),

    Luwero-Butalangu (29km);

    Butalangu-Ngoma (54km);

    Zzana-Kajjansi (5km)

    Designs Preparation – Oil Roads

    The Government of Uganda and its Partners through the Lake Albert Basin Development Committee (LABDC) set a target to start the production of oil by 2020. In order to achieve this target, key enabling infrastructure, such as road network, must be in place. In January 2017, Government made a decision to commence the urgent procurement of contractors to design and build 683km of roads in the oil region. UNRA is undertaking the urgent procurement with the expectation of signing commercial contracts in November 2017.

    The feasibility study and preparation of the projects for the critical oil roads is being undertaken in-house. The exercise will entail preparation of preliminary designs with project cost estimates, the Environmental Social Impact Assessment and the Resettlement action Plan for managing those who are likely to be affected by the implementation of the projects. These reports will be completed by August 2017 to enable Government progress with the securing of financing from its Development Partners.

    Cancelation of Key Procurements

    In pursuit of economy, efficiency and transparency, UNRA adopts the most open competitive procedures for procurement of goods, works and services. Therefore the entity is committed to ensuring that the procurement procedures give fair and equal opportunity to deserving providers and that the entity gets value for money from the process. In pursuit of these objectives, it was found prudent to cancel the following procurements which were not giving effect to the expected results:

     Procurement

    1.Civil Works for Rehabilitation of Fort- Portal- Hima Road

    2.Periodic Maintenance of 6 Selected Notional Roads LOT 4: Nyakiragu- Burmaba- Kitwe Road (54KM)

    3.Contract Agreement for Periodic Maintenance of 4 Lots of 234.5 Km of Selected Unpaved National Roads. Lot 04 Kabwoya-Kituti-Road (42Km)

    1. Civil Works for the Upgrading of Hoima-Butiaba-Wanseko Road from Gravel to paved (Bituminous) Standard: RETENDERED UNDER OIL ROADS

     

    5.Dzaipi – Tete – Nimule (Bibia) Road (35Km) Lot 5 Periodic Maintenance

     

    1. Adjumani – Shinyanya Road (33Km) Lot 6: Periodic Maintenance

     

    PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

    Roads Construction

    In 2016/17, two road construction projects were substantially completed and 100km of roads has now been handed over to UNRA by the contractor, ready for commissioning. These are:

    Upgrading of Fort Portal-Kamwenge to bituminous standard which was financed by Gou & World Bank; and

    Upgrading of Ntungamo-Mirama Hills which was financed by TradeMark East Africa.

    This has resulted in an increase of 0.7% to the paved road network, which now stands at 4,257km.

    There are 18 ongoing projects for the upgrading of 1,143km of roads to paved bituminous standards, all at various stages of progress as shown in the Annex 1.

    For the ongoing projects, the proportion of road works executed during the year, were estimated to be equivalent to a total of 310km, in terms of physical performance.

    Lifting of the suspension by the World Bank: As you may have already heard, the suspension of the financing by the World Bank of two projects – Upgrading of Kyenjojo-Kabwoya road and the Tororo-Mbale-Soroti-Kamdini OPRC project was lifted on 6th June 2017 after 18 months. During this period, UNRA continued to implement the Kyenjojo-Kabwoya project using GoU funds. A process to reconcile all expenditures since then is ongoing so that Government can apply for a reimbursement of the funds spent on the project during the suspension period.

    During the year UNRA took a tough decision to terminate two contracts: the upgrading of Musita-Lumino-Busia/Majanji (104km) which was behind schedule by over 70% despite several warnings; and the rehabilitation of Nakalama-Tirinyi-Mbale (102km) which was behind schedule by over 60% despite several warnings. We shall continue to sever our relationships with any contractors that are not ready to work, to save public funds;

    Road Rehabilitation

    Rehabilitation/reconstruction of 637km of the national roads that have reached their service life is ongoing.

    Completed Bridges

    Construction of the following 6 bridges has been completed in the year 2016/17 and these are ready for commissioning:

    Apak Bridge in Lira district

    Manafa Bridge on Tororo-Mbale road

    Goli and Nyagak in Nebbi

    Leresi Bridge Butaleja – Leresi – Budaka road

    Kabaale Bridge (linking Kyankwanzi to Ngoma in Nakaseke)

    Aswa bridge on Lira-Kitgum border

    The status of all road and bridges projects showing their progress as of June 2017 is shown in Annex 1.

    NETWORK MAINTENANCE

    Routine maintenance has been carried out on the entire road network. In addition, 1,150km of the roads have had periodic maintenance. 6,700km of the network is under term maintenance.

    Generally, the network has been predominantly in fair to good condition throughout the year with no major cut-offs. This has been mainly attributed to the maintenance regime and the dry season.

    NETWORK MANAGEMENT

    In addition to ensuring that the road network is well maintained, UNRA has the responsibility of ensuring that the road network is safe for the users, efficiently utilised and that the road assets are protected/preserved. Therefore a number of initiatives are continuously implemented to ensure that these objectives are obtained. In the last year, the following were undertaken:

    Reclamation and Protection of the Road Reserve

    On 15 May 2015, UNRA commenced an exercise of clearing road reserves beginning with Kampala-Entebbe Road.  This exercise started with evicting the market vendors at Kibuye Market who were operating from the road shoulders and the exercise is still ongoing. So far the stretch from Kibuye to Kajansi has largely been cleared and good compliance has been registered.

    Enforcement of Road Safety: Operation Fika Salama

    Due to the increased road accidents, UNRA, in partnership with the Uganda Police and Ministry of Works and Transport, started the “Fika Salama Operation” in August 2016. The operation started with Kampala-Masaka Road and due to its success, it has been extended to other road corridors of the country. From Kampala-Entebbe Road, the exercise will move to other roads such as Kampala-Jinja Road, Kampala-Bombo Road, Kampala-Masaka Road, Busega-Mityana Road, and Hoima Road among others.

    This operation saw the number of accidents tremendously reduce on the subject road corridors. However, due to lack of resources to sustain it, the operation is being scaled down. Efforts are being made by Ministry of Works and Transport to secure funding which will support its continuation.

    Ferries Operation

    UNRA continued to operate the 9 ferries on the network, having added two ferries in the year: i.e. i) Zengebe-Namasale (MV Kyoga-2); and ii) Wanseko-Panyimur (MV Albert Nile-1).

    KEY CHALLENGES FOR 2016/17

    Inadequate funding for road maintenance which continues to downgrade the level of service for our road network;

    The unreleased budget (UGX 289 billion) affects our ability to meet our obligation to pay service providers as well as inability to complete our workplans for both development and maintenance activities perennially. This, not only compromises the quality of our service delivery, but also results in many businesses of the private sector severely suffering from the consequences of the delayed payment;

    The suspension of financing by the World Bank meant that UNRA had to scale down on the GoU financed road development commitments to enable the Kyenjojo-Kabwoya road project to proceed. The continued suspension also affected our budget absorption on externally financed programmes;

    Despite the budget constraints and the over-commitment, the requests and pressure to commence construction of new roads continues without funding remains a challenge. At the moment we have over 2,000km that are on the unfunded priority list.  We pray for the understanding of our stakeholders, that the workplan can only be as big as the budget and therefore implementation of these road projects will continue to be phased sequentially.

    As for the improvement of roads in major towns along the national road network, UNRA makes provision for upgrading at least 2km, within the Municipal Council, that link to the project roads to be constructed or reconstructed as part of the road development programme. We hope that this will help alleviate the transport constraints within towns and improve inter-town connectivity.

    Procurement process has mainly suffered from administrative reviews. At this point, I wish to appraise you on one particular procurement for the upgrading of the Rukungiri-Kihihi-Ishaha/Kanungu project, which had over-delayed and was cancelled. The decision to cancel the procurement was made to curtail the excessive disruptions caused by undue administrative reviews and the possible interference in the procurement process which was observed. However a new expedited procurement has now been initiated which we hope to conclude with signing a works contract. This has increased the need to intensify our due diligence, a process that requires time and money, but is inevitable if we are to weed out the undeserving contractors.

    Interference in the Procurement process by outside lobbyists continues to be a serious problem. This is disruptive and affects the timely completion and the quality of the outcomes of our procurements. I therefore wish to give a strong warning to contractors and consultants who are in the habit of using middle-men or unscrupulous ways, in the hope of winning contracts that any evidence of engaging in corrupt practices will lead to automatic elimination from participating in any procurement by UNRA.

    The continued encroachment on the road reserve and the increasing illegal roadside activities continues to undermine the functionality of the road network, and hence reduce the safety and level of service of the roads;

    Contract implementation continues to suffer from poor contract performance. Many of our contracts have suffered slow progress. Ongoing development and maintenance contracts were terminated in the year. UNRA will not hesitate to terminate more poor performing contractors and consultants in order to ensure that all projects are put back on track.

    Although UNRA has made significant strides in improving the Management of Social Safeguards, we have continued to register some cases of poor treatment of workers on site and child abuse. UNRA continues to work tirelessly to ensure that implementation of projects leaves as little as possible negative effect on the communities.

    Corruption is still a challenge especially at the weighbridges. In collaboration with the UNRA Investigations and Compliance Team, all corruption cases are investigated thoroughly and the involved staff are dealt with accordingly.

    Maintenance Stations are operating old equipment which is at more than 50% below the desired capacity. This inhibits teams’ ability to manage cut-offs during emergencies

     PLANS FOR 2017/18

    BUDGET APPROPRIATION

    For this FY 2017/18, UNRA has been appropriated a total budget of UGX 3.89 trillion, having increased it by UGX 1.2 trillion to enable Government to acquire land, design and commence the construction of roads in the Albertine region which are urgently needed to facilitate the production of oil by 2020.

    Summary of UNRA Budget for 2017/18 (UGX ‘000)

    Activity

    GoU Financing

    URF

    Ext. Financing

    Total

    % of Total Budget

    Budget Shortfall

    1

    Recurrent (Wage & Non-wage)

    102,595,118

     

    102,595,118

    3%

     

    2

    *Road Development

    1,546,800,206

     

    1,971,542,119

    3,518,342,325

    90%

    700,000,000

    3

    Network Maintenance & Operation

     

    274,400,000

     

    274,400,000

    7%

    280,000,000

     

    1,649,395,324

    274,400,000

    1,971,542,119

    3,895,337,443

    100%

    980,000,000

    *Incl. additional UGX 1.2trn for Land Acqn and construction of the Critical Oil Roads

    Debts carried Forward

    The total outstanding debt on the Vote at the close of the year was UGX 243.5 for the development budget and UGX 30.1 for the maintenance budget. This means that the budget for the year 2017/18 is short by the same amount, significantly reducing the expected physical output for the road maintenance and development programme.

    Budget Shortfall

    Basing on the outstanding obligations and the current commitments on ongoing projects, the required budget estimate versus the appropriation has resulted in a budget shortfall of approximately UGX 700 billion for development and UGX 280 billion for road maintenance. This is in addition to UNRA’s increasing operational costs for effective supervision of all its programmes yet the budget is not increasing. This shortfall exposes the Government programmes to possible poor quality due to inadequate supervision and possible loss of funds through claims and inability to derive full value for money from the investment. In order to control this exposure and for more effective supervision and utilisation of resources, UNRA is doing everything possible to optimise the available resources on the ongoing projects. Therefore the budget has been prioritised as follows:

    Payment of outstanding debts carried over from the last FY;

    Continue with implementation of the ongoing projects to minimise disruption due to lack of funds;

    Meeting Government commitments to provide counterpart funding for the projects which are benefitting from external financing, especially land acquisition; and

    Undertaking feasibility studies and preparation of designs for the projects to be implemented in the medium to long term period.

    EXPECTED OUTPUTS FOR FY 2017/18

    Road Construction

    In this FY, we hope to achieve 400 km equivalent, in terms of physical progress on ongoing civil works. Seven (7) roads will be substantially completed, adding 264km to the paved road network. These are:

    Mbarara Bypass (41.66), now at 73% progress;

    Kampala-Entebbe Express Highway (49.56), now at 82% progress

    Civil works commenced in Dec 2012 and originally scheduled to be completed by May 2018. The project has suffered from delays in acquisition of land to enable the contractor progress as scheduled.

    Rushere-Nswerenkye (11.1km)

    Mukono-Kyetume-Katosi/Nyenga (74km)

    Gulu-Acholibur (87.4)

    We are currently implementing 20 road development (new construction and upgrading from paved bituminous standards) projects totalling 1,400km as shown in the Annex.

    Project Preparation and Procurement is ongoing for the following externally financed projects, expected to commence this FY:

    Upgrading of Tirinyi-Pallisa/Pallisa-Kamonkoli Road (93km) by IsDB

    Muyembe – Nakapiripirit (92km) by IsDB

    Masaka – Bukakata (41km) by BADEA

    Upgrading of Kapchorwa-Suam (73km) by AfDB

    Procurement commenced. We hope to have a contract signed by Dec 2017 and the contractor commence works by Jan 2018.

    Rukungiri-Kihihi-Ishasha/Kanungu (78.5km) by AfDB

    Construction of a new Kampala-Jinja Highway (77km)

    The project has been earmarked and appraised as a candidate PPP project. A Transaction Advisor (IFC) is on board and is assessing its viability before it can be tendered as PPP project later this year. Land acquisition remains a major risk to the success of this project. Compensation of PAPs on Southern Bypass commenced in March 2017 and will continue to the rest of the project throughout this year. We therefore appeal to the public and all stakeholders to ensure that this process is completed smoothly and effectively to avoid costly the delays to the project.

    Road Maintenance

    We are rehabilitating 14 paved roads totalling 750km to restore their serviceability. UNRA will complete the rehabilitation of 150km of the paved national road network.

    Annex 2 and 3 show the workplans, containing the

    STRATEGIES FOR ENSURING SUCCESS

    Performance management

    Starting this year 2017/18, UNRA will be implementing its new Corporate Strategic Plan, to enable the entire organisation manage and measure its performance in a more systematic way and to ensure that all the customers and stakeholders are satisfied.

    Planning and Budget Optimisation

    In order not to spread the available resources thinly, we continue to delay the commencement of new GoU financed projects until financing is freed up from within the budget; paying off outstanding debts, sequentially completing the ongoing projects or when new financing is made available within the framework, e.g. the Oil roads. The GoU counterpart funding for the externally financed projects will be given priority to ensure that the loans are effectively disbursed as planned without delays. This will help us to reduce wastage of the scarce resources through payment of interest, delays in project implementation and claims.

    Capacity Building

    Management has prioritised capacity building programmes to enable the newly recruited staff acquire the skills, equipment and the technology that is required to deliver the road development and maintenance programme. Procurement and quality assurance systems will be prioritised.

    Initiatives to improve contracts performance

    UNRA reviewed all its contracts and has put in place processes and procedures that will result in well performing contracts. These include reviewing and improving contract documents, undertaking due diligence before contract award and more effective monitoring to ensure compliance during implementation. Providers that will not comply will be sanctioned or dismissed with repercussions of affecting their ability to participate in new procurements in future.

    Social Safeguards Management

    Through the distressful times of the cancelation and suspensions, we have learnt a lot of lessons from the implementation of projects supported by the Development Partners, who have been able to guide and shape the management of projects they finance.  UNRA projects lacked a formal Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to allow for continued participation of affected persons and redress of their grievances. Efforts have now been put in place to improve Safety, Gender-based Violence and Child Protection continues to be put in place. As a result of these efforts, new initiatives to improve the management of social safeguards are now implemented on all our projects and not just the donor financed. These include:

    Development of an Environment and Social Management System

    Increased collaboration with relevant Government and Non-Governmental entities

    Enhancement of Safety and Health management programs

    Enhancement of social risks management on projects

    Institution of Grievance Management Mechanism

    Local content

    In March 2017, PPDA issued guidelines to procurement entities for ensuring that Ugandans participate in the building of the country and to control the outflow of foreign currency. UNRA as a key implementer of large infrastructure projects is taking this guidance very seriously and therefore has immediately started implementing the guidelines. All contracts that are being let out allow for the mandatory 30% to be sub-contracted to Ugandan companies.

     I thank you!

     Allen Catherine Kagina

     Executive Director.

  • UNRA to carryout Spot Improvement at Kazinga along Kampala – Jinja Highway on Friday  

    UNRA to carryout Spot Improvement at Kazinga along Kampala – Jinja Highway on Friday  

    Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) will this Friday carryout spot improvement at Kazinga along Kampala-Jinja Highway. According to a statement released by the road’s authority, the Friday works will halt flow along Uganda’s busiest Highway. Here is the statement;

    The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) wishes to inform the general public of scheduled heavy works at Kazinga, a section adjacent to Darling factory and Crestank Ltd (between Namanve and Bweyogerere) which will include culvert installation and surface improvement on Friday, 9th June 2017.

    Works will involve cutting across the entire width of the road which may cause delays and inconvenience to the flow of traffic.

    Traffic will be limited to one lane at a time for only light vehicles (not exceeding 5 tonnes) while medium and heavy vehicles are advised to use the following alternatives:

    Traffic coming from Jinja to Kampala will turn left immediately after the Coca-Cola plant through the Namanve Industrial park to Namboole – Jokas Hotel and proceed to Kampala OR Use Seeta – Namugongo to Kireka/Northern Bypass.

    Traffic from Kampala to Jinja will turn right at Jokas Hotel Namboole through the Namanve Industrial Park to the Coca – Cola plant OR Use the Seeta – Namugongo to Kireka/Northern Bypass.

    Works are expected to be completed and the route restored to traffic by evening of Friday, 9th June 2017.

    UNRA apologizes for any inconvenience caused!

  • UNRA to kick off Road Reserves encroachers’ eviction exercise

    UNRA to kick off Road Reserves encroachers’ eviction exercise

    Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is set to start evicting forcefully people who encroached on Road Reserves across all its roads countywide. John B. Ssejemba, UNRA head of enforcement told a press today that the 24-hour exercise will start on Monday 15th May 2017 with Kampala-Entebbe Road.

    UNRA Head of Enforcement, John B. Ssejemba addressing the media on the
    eviction exercise set to start next week

    He said they have sensitized all people about Road Reserves across the country and added that people were given time to leave the reserves but some of them have stubbornly refused to go.

    “We have engaged all concerned parties including local leaders about the exercise, they are aware of the consequences. This exercise started in 2015 and will go on till road reserves are cleared of encroachers. Some people have moved on while others have ignored the warning and we are left with no option but to use our enforcement arm to clear them off the reserves.

    The exercise will start with Kampala-Entebbe Road but will cover the whole country then Kampala-Masak Road, Kampala-Jinja, Hoima Road, Bombo Road, Gayaza Road and many others. We can’t don’t do all roads at ago but will do one by one,” Ssejemba added.

    “We are starting with Entebbe Road because of its importance and we will go up to the airport. These people have caused confusion, their merchandise is always in the middle of the road and this has caused jam and accidents,” he added.

    UNRA is not in the exercise alone but with Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). “Our intention is to clear everybody from the gazetted areas for road reserves which is 8 metres on either side of the road and we will work all the time (day and night) to make sure we clear it. We advise the affected persons to get stalls in gazetted market places like Usafi. We will face challenges but we are ready for everything. Our mobile van is on the ground informing people to vacate the areas immediately,” Ssejemba said.

    Drive way is 7 metres while Road reserve is 8 metres from the main road totaling to 30 metres for all road including road reserves. UNRA said no compensation will be dished out to those who encroached on road reserves.