IMPACT OF DELAYED COMPLETION OF ROAD TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF UGANDA A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED MAJOR ROADS IN UGANDA

Uganda has committed significant national resources to road infrastructure over the past two decades, recognising that transport connectivity is the backbone of economic growth, agricultural productivity, and social development. Despite this commitment, the country continues to face a persistent and damaging crisis: road construction and rehabilitation projects routinely exceed their original timelines by 50 to 150 percent, and their budgets by comparable or larger margins. This paper examines the multi-dimensional impact of these delays - from direct economic losses and increased transport costs to deeper consequences for public health, food security, regional integration, and investor confidence. Drawing on data from major projects including the Kampala-Masaka-Mutukula Highway, the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Katuna Border Road, the Kampala-Bombo-Gulu Highway, the Kampala-Mityana-Mubende-Kyenjojo Road, and the Busunju-Hoima Road, the paper demonstrates that delays are not isolated administrative failures but symptoms of systemic dysfunction spanning procurement law, contractor capacity, financing mechanisms, and oversight frameworks. It is further noted that effective 30th December 2024, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and the Uganda Road Fund were merged into the Ministry of Works and Transport. All functions previously performed by UNRA are now carried out by the Department of National Roads under the Ministry of Works and Transport. The paper proposes a comprehensive reform agenda grounded in international best practice, addressing contractual architecture, performance bonding, independent oversight, digital monitoring, and community accountability. It argues that accelerating project delivery is not merely a matter of efficiency - it is a moral and economic imperative for a growing nation where millions of citizens daily bear the cost of roads left unfinished.