Contractor conflicts frustrate govt projects, says minister

KAMPALA - The Minister of State for Works and Transport, Musa Ecweru, has expressed concern that conflicts between contractors are hindering road construction progress.

Speaking on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the inaugural Women in Construction Symposium in Kololo, Kampala, Ecweru stated that billions of shillings are being held up in banks due to disputes among contractors.

The minister said the disputes often lead to petitions to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), ultimately affecting the timely completion of projects.

“We have reputable Chinese companies, but they often clash due to competition, despite securing loans from development partners and parliamentary approval for construction projects. The funds remain idle for three to four years when projects stall, leading to claims of politicking during groundbreaking ceremonies, Ecweru said.

The minister emphasised the need to expedite the passing into law of the National Local Content Bill, saying it will boost local companies by promoting the use of domestically produced goods and services.

Ecweru stressed the need to eliminate unscrupulous contractors and suppliers who compromise on quality.

“Such contractors prioritise profits over quality work, which undermines the efforts of our distinguished professionals,” he noted.

The minister urged the Women in Construction Uganda chapter to help identify and exclude these contractors, ensuring that only genuine ones are engaged in construction works.

Ecweru noted that some contractors opt for counterfeit products due to their lower costs, and he called for closer collaboration between the association and relevant institutions to verify the authenticity of materials used in construction projects.

The First Lady and the Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni, launched the Women in Construction Uganda Chapter.

The platform comprises women professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders in the construction and infrastructure development industry.

The symposium, themed “Levelling the ground to upscale effective participation of women in construction and infrastructure development,” aims to address the systemic barriers women face in the industry.

Kiara Nkuranga, the President of the Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC), said the event aimed at amplifying the role of women in Uganda’s construction and infrastructure sectors.

The symposium, themed “Levelling the Ground to Upscale Effective Participation of Women in Construction and Infrastructure Development,” seeks to address the systemic barriers women face in the industry.

Sarah Kagingo, Vice Chairperson of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), advised that contractors and all players in the construction value chain should revisit their strategy, focusing on boosting competitiveness and growth of indigenous and real estate funds for job creation.

She challenged the engineers to envision a Uganda where local industries and professionals thrive and commended the government for supporting policies that enable businesses to flourish, including procurement quotas for women and the youth.

Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, the United Nations Development Program representative, noted that Uganda's industrial sector grew at an average rate of 5.5% in the financial year 2023/24, driven mainly by mining, quarrying, electricity and construction.

She also said the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) aims to propel Uganda towards double-digit Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, job creation and improved living standards for its citizens.