The Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) has moved to reassure Ugandans that services under the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and the Uganda Road Fund (URF) will continue seamlessly, despite the recent passage of the UNRA and URF Repeal Bills of 2024 by Parliament.
General Edward Katumba-Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, emphasized that all obligations previously managed by UNRA and URF will now fall under the Ministry of Works and Transport.
He confirmed that this transition will take effect once President Museveni assents to the bills, and a comprehensive plan has been established to prevent any disruption in service delivery during this period.
The Ministry acknowledged potential concerns regarding the maintenance of Uganda’s National Road Network.
However, Katumba-Wamala assured the public that strategic measures are in place to guarantee continued serviceability and a smooth transition. He noted that existing commitments by UNRA and URF would transfer to the Ministry, ensuring that all projects will progress without interruption.
Service providers and stakeholders have been encouraged to stay in contact with their UNRA and URF representatives for any inquiries. The Ministry further invited service providers to reach out to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport for additional support as needed, underscoring their commitment to a stable transition and uninterrupted infrastructure development for Uganda.
For assistance, service providers can contact the Ministry at Tel: 0414-259139/322.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and the Uganda Road Fund (URF) were dissolved, last week with their functions transferred back to the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT). This follows the repeal of the Uganda Road Fund Act (2008) and the UNRA Act (2006) after Parliament passed the Uganda Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the UNRA (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
This move, in line with the 2021 government rationalization policy, aims to streamline services, reduce costs, and enhance accountability.
Speaking at Parliament last week, Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala supported the dissolution, suggesting that agency creation weakened government oversight. He assured that UNRA and URF employees would retain their jobs within MoWT, while State Minister Musa Ecweru highlighted plans to maintain local District Road Committees for continued oversight of road works.
The dissolution is expected to save Shs3.8 billion in administrative costs and Shs2.6 billion in wages, while Shs395 billion will be allocated for road maintenance under the MoWT.
A three-year transitional period is recommended to ensure a smooth transfer of UNRA’s functions and to review contracts, especially those with specific agency clauses, to avoid disruptions and penalties.
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