Works and Transport Minister Hon. Fred Byamukama has raised concern over the rising cost of compensating landowners for road projects, saying payments in some areas are reportedly reaching up to three times the cost of construction.
Byamukama told Parliament that projects in Nakawuka, Nateete, Kyaliwajjala, Kira and Matugga are being affected by what he described as inflated compensation claims.
The minister alleged that some government officials and engineers collude with landowners to increase property values after obtaining information about planned road corridors.
He said the problem is also linked to overlapping responsibilities in road planning, property valuation and project implementation, which he believes creates loopholes that can be exploited.
The concerns come amid delays and rising costs on major projects, including the Nateete-Nakawuka and Kyaliwajjala-Kira-Matugga roads, where compensation costs have reportedly in some cases matched or exceeded construction costs.
Byamukama’s remarks have renewed questions about Uganda’s land acquisition and compensation process and how government can prevent inflated valuations while ensuring taxpayers get value for money.
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