Hoima City leaders demand action against contractor over delayed road works

Hoima: Hoima City leaders and taxi operators have called for urgent intervention over delays and disruptions caused by ongoing road construction works along the Hoima-Kampala highway, accusing the contractor of inconveniencing motorists and affecting transport businesses.

The concerns centre on the road rehabilitation works being undertaken by Abubaker Technical Services, with city leaders warning that the slow pace of construction could affect Hoima City’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda is expected to co-host.

The concerns were raised during a Hoima City Council meeting held on Wednesday at Golden Castle Hotel.

Iddi Magezi, the Hoima City Finance Secretary, said the city was falling behind schedule, yet Hoima is among the designated host cities for the continental football tournament.

Magezi called for intervention to compel the contractor to accelerate the works and meet the required timelines.

Patrick Mugabi, the Male Workers Councillor, also expressed concern about the condition of roads leading into Hoima City and other sections under the contractor’s jurisdiction.

Mugabi cited excessive dust, traffic congestion and narrow road sections, warning that the prevailing conditions could expose road users to accidents.

He accused the contractor of appearing unconcerned about the challenges faced by motorists and other road users.

However, Hoima City Clerk Edward Lwanga defended the contractor, attributing some of the delays to disruptions in the supply of construction materials linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

Lwanga explained that some of the materials required for the road works are sourced from the region, making it difficult for the contractor to maintain the planned construction schedule.

He said the external supply challenges had contributed to the delays being experienced on the project.

Abubaker Technical Services Public Relations Officer Deus Tukamuhebwa, however, said the contractor was working within a specified timeframe, which had necessitated opening up longer stretches of the highway for construction.

Tukamuhebwa said the company had deployed water bowsers to spray water on the road in the morning and evening to control dust.

He also blamed some motorists for disregarding road signs and speed restrictions, warning that reckless driving through construction sections could result in vehicle damage, including punctured tyres.

Tukamuhebwa urged motorists to observe road signs, adhere to speed limits and follow traffic regulations to ensure their safety during the construction works.

Taxi drivers raise concerns over vehicle damage

Meanwhile, Hoima-Kampala taxi operators have raised concerns over vehicle damage, dust and traffic delays arising from the ongoing road construction works.

The drivers say loose road aggregates and dust generated by construction activities are increasing vehicle maintenance costs, reducing their daily earnings and inconveniencing motorists.

Hoima-Kampala taxi stage chairperson John Atuhayirwe said they support the rehabilitation of the highway but want the contractor to improve the management of construction activities to minimise losses and disruptions.

“We support the ongoing road rehabilitation, but the contractor should ensure that the construction works are managed in a way that minimises damage to our vehicles and inconvenience to road users,” Atuhayirwe said.

He explained that loose stones on the road were damaging vehicle tyres, forcing taxi operators to spend more money on repairs and reducing their daily income.

Atuhayirwe urged the contractor to adopt a phased approach by concentrating on shorter sections, completing them before moving to other stretches instead of opening up long sections that take considerable time to finish.

James Byaluhanga, taxi driver also expressed concern over dust generated by the construction works, saying it inconveniences motorists and other road users while slowing down traffic.

James Kayila, another driver, said completing shorter sections at a time would minimise traffic disruptions and reduce motorists’ exposure to dust and loose aggregates.

Kayila added that the approach would allow drivers to travel with fewer delays as construction progresses.

The concerns come as Hoima City continues preparations to host AFCON 2027, with leaders and transport operators calling for improved coordination between the contractor and road users to ensure construction progresses while minimising disruptions to transport services.

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