The Parliament has raised serious eyebrows over the skyrocketing cost of the Busega–Mpigi Expressway and are now demanding answers after the project cost jumped from Shs547.5 billion to over Shs1.2 trillion, nearly double.
During a heated meeting on Tuesday (March 24, 2026), Works and Transport Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala tried to explain the increase, blaming it on changes in design and scope.
According to him, adjustments like new road alignments, interchanges and connecting roads pushed the cost up.
But MPs weren’t buying it as the Committee chairperson Hon. Dan Kimosho came out swinging, saying the numbers don’t add up.
“This is science, not gambling. It is not possible that changes could amount to double the price… there is a smelling rat in the project,” he said.
That statement alone has now set the tone, this is no longer just about a road, it’s about accountability.
Things get even more complicated Government revealed that negotiations with the contractor are still ongoing, despite Parliament already approving extra funding.
At one point, the contractor had slapped government with claims worth Shs578 billion over delays and idle equipment. After negotiations, that figure was reduced to Shs78 billion but MPs are still questioning how things got that far in the first place.
Bukanga North MP Nathan Byanyima openly questioned why negotiations are dragging, while others warned that delays could push costs even higher.
Kimosho didn’t mince words: “At this rate, you can even have a third renegotiation if you don’t zero down on someone’s neck.”
