IGG to audit “World’s Most Expensive Road” in Uganda

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reported on July 28, 2026, that the Inspectorate of Government plans a value-for-money audit of the Busega-Mpigi Expressway, a major road project west of Kampala. Inspector General of Government Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala said investigators had spent two weeks reviewing the project and speaking to officials involved in its planning and execution.

According to the report, the next stage will assess whether public funds already spent match the quantity and quality of work delivered. The IGG team inspected parts of the corridor with officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, while ministry officials presented data indicating about 47 percent completion. The Inspectorate said that figure will be checked independently by engineers it appoints.

The audit is part of a wider inquiry involving the Inspectorate, police and State House into suspected corruption, mismanagement and other irregularities. The Independent reported that current Works ministry officials and former Uganda National Roads Authority engineers have been questioned about procurement, supervision, contract changes and implementation. Investigators are also examining claims that route changes after compensation payments may have required fresh land acquisition and increased costs.

The Busega-Mpigi Expressway is described as a 23- to 27-kilometre toll road intended to reduce congestion on the Kampala-Masaka route and improve links toward southwestern Uganda. The report says its cost rose from roughly UGX 547 billion to UGX 600 billion to more than UGX 1.3 trillion, while expected completion shifted from 2023 to December 2028. Findings from the audit could inform administrative, civil or criminal action.