IGG Clears Works Ministry PS Bageya, Orders Interdiction of Roads Commissioner

What the report says

Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government has cleared Ministry of Works and Transport Permanent Secretary Bageya Waiswa in the widening inquiry into the Busega–Mpigi Expressway cost escalation, according to Nile Post. The IGG said investigators found that Waiswa was not involved in the earlier decisions that contributed to the project’s rising costs and directed that he return to work.

At the same time, the IGG ordered the interdiction of Commissioner for National Roads Isaac Wani while inquiries continue. The office said the measure is meant to allow investigations to proceed without interference and does not amount to a finding of guilt. Wani was identified as having been Director of Network Planning and Engineering at the former Uganda National Roads Authority when the project’s costs increased.

The expressway’s estimated price has climbed from Shs547.5 billion to about Shs1.3 trillion, drawing scrutiny over alleged financial mismanagement, design changes and altered road alignments. The project was transferred to the Works Ministry in 2024 during the government’s rationalisation programme, and investigators said Waiswa later initiated technical audits, funding approval and procurement steps aimed at moving it forward.

The case follows President Yoweri Museveni’s earlier directive for investigations into the road project after concerns were raised in Parliament and in audit findings about spending, delays and the extent of physical progress. Nile Post reported that the broader probe is still examining whether any officials were responsible for the cost overruns and related decisions.