Performance of Road Infrastructure Projects in Uganda: A Procurement Approach

Abstract

Adequate infrastructure is critical to economic growth and competitiveness of a nation; hence the current inadequate infrastructure is impeding the expected growth of Uganda. This study examined the performance of road infrastructure projects in Uganda. The study relied on primary and secondary data which was analysed basing on content thematic analysis and regression analysis. Performance was measured in terms of time, cost and quality. Major road projects in the country have been completed with significant cost and time overruns. There were time and cost overruns on several road projects namely: Kyenjojo-Kabwoya-Hoima-Bulima road, Mubende-Kakumiro road, Kyenjojo road, Mukono-Katosi road and Kisoga-Nyenga road. Use of poor quality materials, poor scheduling, delayed procurement and specification have caused time overruns on the road construction projects. Delays have had an adverse impact on project success. Today the effects of road construction delays have not been confined to the construction industry only, but have ended up affecting the overall economy of a country. It is prudent and judicious that the contractor management and monitoring process should be improved for all ongoing road construction works.