Sh350m Bundibugyo bridge raises questions over value for money
The bridge, which resembles an old Roman arch, was constructed away from the main water channel and road for which it was intended. Residents alleged that district officials intended to compensate a local resident said to be related to a district official where the bridge was constructed.
Tokwe Bridge in Bundyelume Village, Tokwe Sub-county Bundibugyo district that was constructed with sh350 without steel reinforcement. This was during Balaam Barugahara the Local Government Minister visit to the district to investigate alleged corruption and abuse of public resources under the government’s anti-corruption campaign, Expose the Corrupt’ on August 22, 2026. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)
BUNDIBUGYO - Local government minister Balaam Barugahara has questioned the value for money of bridges constructed by Bundibugyo District Local Government, including one that residents say was built at a cost of sh350m without steel reinforcement.
Barugahara was in the district on August 22, 2026, to investigate alleged corruption and abuse of public resources under the Government’s anti-corruption campaign, Expose the Corrupt, when residents took him to Tokwe Bridge in Bundyelume village, Tokwe subcounty.
Residents told the minister that the bridge was constructed last year using stones, sand and little cement, without steel bars or even steel wire. They said part of the structure collapsed shortly after construction, leaving it unsafe for users.
“Many people no longer feel safe using the bridge and would rather cross the running water,” residents told the minister.
Residents also took Barugahara to Nyampiri Bridge in Kituu subcounty, which they said was constructed at a cost of sh82m using stones and cement, without steel reinforcement.
Despite the condition of the bridge, some district officials reportedly said an additional sh40m was needed to complete it.
The minister was also shown an open drift bridge on Manjuguja stream, which residents said was constructed at sh35m but was washed away only months later.
Residents alleged that the bridge is reconstructed almost every year, creating an opportunity for officials to siphon government funds.
Residents using a temporary wooden bridge that they put over the collapsed Tokwe Bridge in Bundyelume Village, Tokwe Sub-county Bundibugyo district. The bridge was constructed with sh350 without steel reinforcement. This was during Balaam Barugahara the Local Government Minister visit to the district to investigate alleged corruption and abuse of public resources under the government’s anti-corruption campaign, Expose the Corrupt’ on August 22, 2026. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)
Minister orders arrests
Barugahara questioned the durability of the bridges and whether taxpayers were receiving value for their money.
He blamed the situation on weak supervision by political and technical leaders, including Members of Parliament, district councillors, the resident district commissioner, chief administrative officer and town clerks.
The minister ordered the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and police to arrest district engineer Robert Muhindo and Bundibugyo Town Council town clerk Ceasor Olega to answer questions over the allegations.
He also directed districts to publicly display quarterly records showing funds received from the Government and how the money was spent.
Barugahara further ordered that project designs be displayed for public scrutiny so residents can monitor construction and report work that does not match approved standards.
The minister said greater public oversight would help expose misuse of government funds before projects are completed and taxpayers are left with unsafe infrastructure.