Finance Minister Henry Musasizi Ariganyira has given Rubanda District authorities a one-month deadline to complete the long-delayed Bugiri Crossing Bridge in Kakore Parish, warning that officials responsible for the stalled project could face arrest if they fail to act.The Shs85 million bridge, funded by government under the Force Account system, was expected to improve movement and economic activities for communities around Bugiri Primary School, Kakore Rugambwa Catholic Parish, Karukara Market and surrounding areas.
However, the project has remained incomplete for three years despite funds being released.During an inspection tour in Rubanda District, Minister Musasizi expressed concern over the continued delays, saying it was unacceptable for government projects to remain unfinished long after taxpayers’ money had been provided.Accompanied by Rubanda District Woman MP Evelyn Ninsiima Kikafunda and Rubanda West MP Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, Musasizi ordered district officials to immediately prioritize the completion of the bridge and ensure the structure is reviewed to meet the community’s needs.The minister warned that failure to complete the works within the one-month deadline would attract serious consequences, including possible criminal action against the district engineer, accounting officer and other officials found responsible for the delays.Musasizi criticized weak supervision of government projects, noting that in many cases local leaders and communities are unaware of developments being implemented in their areas despite being the intended beneficiaries.
He announced that all future government-funded projects must be officially launched before construction starts so that residents can know the project details, expected timelines and budgets, enabling them to monitor progress and demand accountability.The minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to fighting corruption and protecting public resources, saying regular oversight visits will continue to ensure every government shilling allocated for development projects delivers value to Ugandans.
