IGG starts probe into Busega-Mpigi expressway
In a statement dated July 14, the IGG summoned suspended engineers Raymond Edwin Kiyaga and Dickens Ahimbisibwe to record statements over the alleged mismanagement of funds earmarked for the 23km Busega-Mpigi Expressway and the 20km access roads along the highway.
The Busega-Mpigi Expressway is among the five expressway projects outlined in Vision 2040 as crucial for Uganda’s economic advancement, which aims at easing traffic congestion on the Kampala - Masaka highway, improve road safety, facilitate trade, enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and support access to social and administrative services.
KAMPALA - The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Aisha Nalule Batala, has launched investigations into allegations of embezzlement involving funds allocated for the Busega-Mpigi Expressway project.
In a statement dated July 14, the IGG summoned suspended engineers Raymond Edwin Kiyaga and Dickens Ahimbisibwe to record statements over the alleged mismanagement of funds earmarked for the 23km Busega-Mpigi Expressway and the 20km access roads along the highway.
“They are required to remain available at all times to assist with investigations and any related administrative processes as and when required,” the IGG said.
The two engineers were suspended by the Ministry of Works and Transport following a directive issued by Justice Batala on July 1, over allegations of embezzlement of funds meant for the expressway project.
The directive, issued in line with instructions from President Yoweri Museveni, called for the suspension of the officials to pave the way for expeditious investigations into the allegations.
According to suspension letters issued by the works ministry, the engineers were ordered to hand over all government property, records, files, documents, equipment and any other official items in their possession to their respective supervisors.
They were also barred from accessing government office premises or performing any official duties unless authorised.
The Inspectorate reaffirmed its commitment to upholding integrity, ethical standards and the rule of law, adding that it will continue to execute its constitutional mandate with diligence and impartiality.
The President also sent the Ministry's permanent secretary, Bageya Waiswa, on leave as investigations are being conducted.
The Government borrowed sh600b from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the construction of the Expressway 100%. As of now, only 40% of the work has been done, but all the money was paid.
What happened? The corrupt engineers altered the route of the road and avoided the route that was already compensated for, and charted a new route going through their own land that needed fresh compensation.
“A road that was supposed to cost sh600b is now being put at sh1.3 trillion. These thieves must be destroyed,” Museveni said, directing Naluzze to lead the investigation.
The President asked the IGG to work with Henry Tumwiine, whom he described as his auditor.
Museveni also directed that as investigations are being conducted, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Barbara Namugambe, will be the acting permanent secretary of the ministry.
About the expressway
The Busega-Mpigi Expressway is among the five expressway projects outlined in Vision 2040 as crucial for Uganda’s economic advancement, which aims at easing traffic congestion on the Kampala - Masaka highway, improve road safety, facilitate trade, enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and support access to social and administrative services.
The expressway is expected to strengthen trade relations with countries within the East African Community.
The road starts at Busega in Kampala, takes a south-westerly direction to Mpigi town through 21 villages, and spreads over to Kiringente and Wakiso sub-counties.
Allegations of inflating the cost for the Busega-Mpigi expressway had earlier been cited by a section of Opposition MPs in the 11th Parliament.
On October 28, 2025, Parliament approved a loan of Euros 188.18m (sh781.04b) from AfDB and Euros 28.31m (sh117.46b) from the African Development Fund.
The loan was additional financing for the construction of the then expanded 27-kilometre expressway.
The motion for the resolution of Parliament to approve the loan was moved by the then Minister of State for Industry, David Bahati.