Tayebwa puts district engineers on notice over shoddy roadworks

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The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has lashed out at district engineers over what he described as shoddy work, unprofessionalism and corruption, which he said have led to unnecessary delays and poor-quality projects.

“If the money allocated is not enough to do proper work, have the courage to refuse the contract,” he said.

"Do not accept assignments and then deliver substandard results. When you engage in corruption, cut corners and delay projects without justification, you bring embarrassment not only to yourselves but to the entire engineering profession.”

Tayebwa was speaking during an event organised to commemorate World Engineering Day at Africana Hotel on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Kampala.

The lawmaker further said that Parliament has been supportive of strengthening the engineering sector by backing legislative reforms to regulate and protect the profession.

He pointed to the ongoing Engineering Professionals Bill, 2024, which seeks to establish the Uganda Institution of Engineering Professionals and provide for the registration, licensing and ethical conduct of engineers, technologists and technicians, filling gaps in the existing Engineers Registration Act and introducing clearer standards and accountability in the industry.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Works and Transport, Edward Katumba Wamala, attributed the delays to limited financing and what he termed “unnecessary political pressure.” Katumba said that in some instances, the government is compelled to commission or launch road projects before funds are fully secured.

“At times we face pressure to start projects for visibility and public demand, yet the money is not readily available,” he said.

“This affects cash flow to contractors and ultimately slows down completion timelines.”

He emphasised the need for realistic planning and assured the public that efforts are being made to streamline funding to ensure the timely delivery of infrastructure projects.

On his part, Eng. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the chairman, commended government for its continued efforts to strengthen and professionalise the engineering sector through policy and legislative reforms. However, he warned that persistent challenges remain at the local government level, noting that some districts continue to hire unregistered engineers.

“When districts engage unregistered or unlicensed practitioners, the result is often substandard work,” Alinaitwe said.

“We must insist on compliance with registration requirements if we are to safeguard quality and restore public confidence in our profession.”

World Engineering Day

The World Engineering Day celebrations attracted engineers, policymakers, academia and private sector players from across the country to reflect on the profession’s role in driving socio-economic transformation.

The 2026 theme, “Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future through Innovation and Digitalisation,” speaks directly to Uganda’s national development aspirations under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), the long-term blueprint Uganda Vision 2040, and the Government’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy.

Speakers noted that embracing digital technologies, smart infrastructure systems, and innovative engineering solutions will be critical in accelerating industrialisation, improving service delivery and ensuring sustainable urban development.

The event also marked the launch of renewed commitments by stakeholders to promote research, digital skills and ethical standards in the engineering profession as the country positions itself for inclusive growth.