Arab Contractors, the firm undertaking the construction of the Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli Road, has attributed the delay in works to delays in compensating people affected by the project.
The clarification follows concerns raised by Luuka South MP Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo in Parliament over delays in the implementation of road construction projects.
During a site inspection led by Luuka District LCV chairman Peter Kafuko Mulyandawo, Arab Contractors’ community liaison officer, Ms Grace Mutale, told journalists that the project could not proceed at full capacity unless all affected landowners were compensated.
Ms Mutale said delays in compensating project-affected people were limiting the contractor’s access to some sections of the road corridor.
‘Some affected people have been compensated, while others are still waiting. We urge leaders to engage the Ministry of Works and Transport to expedite compensation so that the project can proceed,’ Ms. Mutale said.
She said lack of full compensation had restricted the contractor’s access to some sections of the road corridor, affecting mobilisation and continuity of construction works.
Ms. Mutale also condemned acts of vandalism along the road, which she attributed to some members of the local community.
‘We are concerned about people removing road signs for firewood. The signs are vital for road safety, and their removal increases the risk of accidents and disrupts our work,’ she said.
The 54-kilometre Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli Road, stretching from Walugogo in Iganga District to Budhumbula in Kamuli District, is being upgraded to a tarmac road. The upgrade is expected to improve connectivity among the three districts, ease the transportation of agricultural produce and boost trade in the Busoga sub-region.
Luuka District LCV chairman Peter Kafuko Mulyandawo commended the contractor for the progress made so far and urged the government to expedite the compensation process. ‘As a district, we appreciate the progress made, but we urge the government to expedite compensation because delays are hindering the project,’ Mulyandawo said.
Mr. Mulyandawo said district leaders would continue encouraging residents to cooperate with the contractor and protect project property.
Christopher Mugaga, a councillor for Nawampiti Sub-county in Luuka District, said the contractor had committed to addressing challenges faced by residents during construction.
‘The contractor has agreed to water Luuka towns to control dust and maintain the Kiyunga-Iganga Road to keep it passable during construction,’ Mr Mugaga said.
Residents along the road have also raised concerns about excessive dust, particularly during the dry season, as well as poor alternative routes that affect movement.
Luuka South MP Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo had earlier told Parliament that constituents were frustrated by the slow pace of works, saying the road is crucial to farmers and traders in Luuka, Kamuli and Iganga districts.
‘The road is expected to improve lives and businesses along its route, so delays in completing it are frustrating. We are disappointed by the slow progress,’ Mr Kisa said.
Officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport have said compensation for people affected by the Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli Road project is being paid in phases, prioritising areas where construction is scheduled to begin.
Local leaders said they would engage the Ministry of Works and Transport and Parliament to ensure all remaining project-affected people are compensated, allowing the contractor to complete the road within the set timeframe.
Earlier, Senior Communications Officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr Allan Ssempebwa, urged residents to remain patient, saying compensation would be paid as funds became available.
‘So far, data has been collected for affected people along 28 kilometres from the Kamuli side, but compensation has been completed for only about eight kilometres. More people will be paid as funds become available,’ he said.
The 54-kilometre road project, valued at Shs300 billion, started in October 2025 and is being implemented by Arab Contractors. It is expected to be completed within 36 months.