Govt warns road contractors against reckless, illegal diversions

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The Government has warned road contractors against illegal diversions, cautioning that firm measures will be taken if violations occur.

Office of the President undersecretary Monica Edemachu says she has observed reckless behaviour on construction sites that could potentially lead to problems for the Government, including legal suits.

"We have encountered situations where there are diversions along roads due to ongoing construction," she says.

Dangerous incidents

Following a recent fatal crash that claimed the life of city businessman Rajiv Ruparelia along the Entebbe Expressway, a finger was pointed at a movable piece of concrete that had been placed in the road to create a diversion as a result of ongoing road works on Busabala Road. In the aftermath of the incident, works minister Gen Katumba said an investigation had been instituted to establish circumstances of the crash.

During the event, Endemachu also referenced to a recent incident in Mukono near Nasuti Road, noting that the road diversion there was not very clear while travelling with her driver, which almost resulted in them entering a ditch.

Edemachu emphasised the importance of enhanced communication, including proper signage, to ensure the safety of road users.

During the Mukono incident, the signage and visual communication were poorly executed.

"If I, who understands the programme, can fail to interpret the signage, what about the average person? These are the areas that communication personnel should focus on, because if an accident occurs, it means we have failed to communicate effectively," she said.

She warned that such failures could jeopardise the entire programme and cause it to falter.

Edemachu made these remarks on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, during a workshop for government communicators and journalists involved in the Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP) at Skyz Hotel in Naguru, Kampala city.

The workshop, presided over by Kampala affairs minister Hajjati Minsa Kabanda, aimed to build the capacity of ministry staff, journalists, and communication officers to enhance consistent and coherent messaging regarding the GKMA UDP.

Kabanda noted that the infrastructural programme is a strategic initiative designed to promote integrated development across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.

"The success of this programme heavily relies on our ability to effectively communicate its vision, progress and impact to our citizens, stakeholders and development partners," she stated.

Empowering accountability

She emphasised that communication is not just about sharing information; it is a tool for empowering accountability and inclusion.

"Through strong communication, we build public trust, encourage citizen participation and ensure that the transformative work being conducted under the Greater Kampala programme is comprehensive, understood and supported," she added.

Frank Baine, spokesperson for the Uganda Prisons Services and one of the facilitators at the event, urged government spokespersons to remain proactive, noting that effective communication requires knowledge.

He explained that one way to acquire this knowledge is through reading.

"If you are to communicate, you must have content. If you lack content, don't waste your time. The people you are communicating with often know more than you do," he said.

About the GKMA-UDP

The GKMA-UDP is a government initiative aimed at improving urban mobility, environmental conditions, local economic development, and coordination in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA).

Supported with a loan from the World Bank and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the program is implemented by nine entities, including the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the district local governments of Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi, as well as the municipal local governments of Kira, Nansana, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Mukono, and Entebbe.