Speaker directs Finance, Works officials over 30 stalled bridges

What the report says

Parliament in Uganda has ordered officials from the Ministries of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Works and Transport, along with contractors, to appear before the Committee on Government Assurance to explain why more than 30 bridge projects have stalled. The directive was issued by Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth after lawmakers raised concerns during a Wednesday plenary sitting.

The issue was brought to the House by Committee Vice Chairperson Anna Adeke, who said the officials and contractors had repeatedly ignored invitations to account for the delayed projects. According to her remarks in Parliament, the committee has been trying to determine why bridges that were reportedly contracted and funded have not been completed, leaving some communities cut off and public money tied up in unfinished work.

Speaker Oboth said parliamentary committees must be respected and insisted that officials summoned for accountability should attend. He also pointed to parliamentary rules that can be used to compel attendance, including possible sanctions for those who continue to defy summons. Second Deputy Prime Minister Crispus Kiyonga told Parliament that government would ensure ministers and technical officers cooperate with committees.

The Committee on Government Assurance is examining how government promises and infrastructure projects are being implemented. The case highlights broader concerns about project delivery, oversight, and the use of public funds in Uganda’s road and bridge sector.