Two Works Ministry Officials Arrested by State House Operatives as Compensation Scam Probe Deepens

Two officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, including a government valuer and a surveyor, have been arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit amid investigations into alleged manipulation of compensation assessments for properties affected by the Kisubi-Nakawuka-Nateete-Kasanje-Mpigi road project.

The arrests were reportedly carried out on the orders of Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama, who has accused some officials of failing to provide sufficient justification for compensation rates that he believes are causing massive financial losses to the government.w

Byamukama has now warned that more ministry officials could face arrest if investigations establish that they colluded with land dealers and property owners to inflate compensation costs through the construction of new structures along planned road corridors.

The minister said some individuals have allegedly been taking advantage of upcoming infrastructure projects by putting up buildings in targeted areas with the intention of securing higher government payouts during the compensation process.

In Mpigi District, three land dealers have already been identified over the alleged scheme, with security agencies instructed to track down and arrest them as investigations continue.

The latest developments follow Byamukama’s inspection of the Kisubi-Nakawuka-Nateete-Kasanje-Mpigi road project, where he questioned valuation figures attached to several properties along the proposed route.

The minister raised concern after discovering a number of new buildings had been constructed in Membe and Lufuka areas of Mpigi, locations through which the road is expected to pass. He questioned why some properties had been assigned values far above prevailing market rates.

The government allocated Shs430 billion for compensation of project-affected persons along the road project, a figure that is higher than the Shs340.5 billion contract cost for construction of the road itself.

Byamukama said the situation had forced government to consider alternative measures, including changing the road alignment, in order to avoid sections where compensation expenses have been significantly increased.

If compensation costs continue rising because of inflated valuations and new structures appearing along the corridor, Byamukama suggested, government may have to review the planned route to protect public resources.

During his Wednesday, August 26 monitoring visit in Nakawuka, the minister met project-affected persons and emphasised the importance of timely compensation, transparency in valuation processes and continued engagement with communities affected by the road works.

He also highlighted the need for forward maintenance planning and improved road safety as construction continues.

Residents in Nakawuka, Wakiso District, also raised concerns over alleged fuel theft affecting the contractor implementing the road upgrade. They said the problem was contributing to delays on the project.

Byamukama pledged to work with local leaders and security agencies to investigate the allegations and arrest individuals found responsible.

The inspection also brought to light complaints from residents over delayed compensation payments and excessive dust, which businesses along the road corridor say has affected their operations.

The Kisubi-Nakawuka-Nateete-Kasanje-Mpigi road project remains one of the major infrastructure developments aimed at improving connectivity around Kampala and neighbouring districts, but rising compensation costs have emerged as a major concern for government.

It should be remembered that Museveni has fired a number of works Ministry Engineers. See names of Fired Works Ministry Engineers Exposed as Museveni Reveals Weapons He Plans to Use Against Thieves in Government Here.

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