KAMPALA, Uganda – The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has launched an urgent investigation into the controversial Busega Toll Road concession after a preliminary report disclosed a loss of UGX 300 million for the Treasury.
The loss, which stems from a renegotiated toll‑collection agreement with private operator East African Roads Ltd., was uncovered during a routine audit by the Office of the Auditor General. The audit showed that the government had waived fees and extended the concession period, resulting in a shortfall that could have been avoided with stricter contract oversight.
COPA Chairperson Hon. James Ssekitole demanded “full transparency and swift corrective action,” urging the Ministry of Works and Transport to suspend all payments to the concessionaire until the investigation is concluded.
Opposition lawmakers called the deal “a textbook case of poor governance,” while the Minister of Works, Hon. John Byabagambi, defended the original agreement, stating that the toll road is critical for decongesting Kampala’s western corridor and that the short‑term loss will be offset by long‑term economic benefits.
The committee will summon senior officials from the Ministry, the concessionaire, and the Office of the Attorney General to testify before the end of the month. Civil society groups have also filed a petition demanding a public hearing on the matter.