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The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has authorized the procurement of a contractor for the long-awaited upgrade of the Kyenjojo (Kihura)–Bwizi–Rwamwanja–Kahunge and Mpara-Bwizi roads in western Uganda.
The project, which includes 68 kilometres of roads and 20 kilometres of town roads to be upgraded to bituminous standard, has been met with controversy, including allegations of irregularities in the bidding process.
The Kyenjojo-Kamwenge-Bwizi road network is strategically significant, serving as a vital trade and transportation route connecting Uganda with neighbouring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is also essential for boosting local tourism, particularly with its proximity to Kibale National Park, Uganda’s fifth most visited park, and the Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, which houses over 73,000 refugees.
However, the procurement process has faced delays, largely due to claims made by a whistleblower who accused Arab Contractors—one of the leading bidders—of unfair advantages.
The whistleblower alleged that UCA Insaat, a Turkish company that was the lowest bidder, was unfairly disqualified due to insufficient bid security.
They also raised concerns over an alleged change in the project’s budget, from Shs 416.7 billion to Shs 511.9 billion, and claimed that Arab Contractors’ bid price was manipulated to benefit the company.
In response to these allegations, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) called for an investigation. PPDA found no merit in the claims after a thorough review. Regarding the bid security issue, PPDA confirmed that UCA Insaat’s bid lacked a required correspondent financial institution in Uganda, thus breaching the bidding instructions.
On the price adjustments, PPDA clarified that the revisions were made in line with international best practices and the recommendations of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), a key project funder.
Similarly, accusations that Arab Contractors had failed to meet equipment and financial documentation requirements were also dismissed, with PPDA confirming that the contractor had met all the necessary criteria.
Despite the whistleblower’s allegations and the extended investigation process, PPDA affirmed that the procurement process adhered to all guidelines, ensuring fair competition. “The
evaluation process was robust, and we recommend that the procuring entity proceed with the project,” the authority stated in a report submitted to the IGG on November 8.
Local communities in Kamwenge and Kyenjojo have long-awaited improvements to the road, with some residents expressing frustration at the delays.
The project is seen as crucial for improving road safety, reducing accidents caused by deteriorating infrastructure, and supporting regional socio-economic development.
“We all needed it yesterday. The road is essential for our livelihoods,” said Amon Twesigye, a resident.
The road upgrade is also expected to ease the transportation of food and humanitarian supplies to the Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement and improve access to surrounding districts, including Ibanda, Kiruhura, and Kazo. Current road conditions, marked by potholes and poor drainage, have contributed to frequent accidents, making the upgrade a critical need for the region’s safety and development.
In a related controversy, some whistleblowers claimed that Kamwenge District MP Frank Tumwebaze had supported Arab Contractors’ bid and obstructed investigations into the procurement process. Tumwebaze denied the allegations, calling them defamatory and baseless. He later sued an online outlet that published the claims, which was subsequently retracted.
With investigations now concluded and no merit found in the claims, the project is set to move forward, promising long-term benefits for the region’s economy, tourism, and infrastructure.