Questions over the use of public funds and the quality of government infrastructure have emerged following the collapse of Tokwe Bridge in Bundibugyo District.
According to Local Government Minister Hon. Balaam Barugahara, the bridge was reportedly constructed at a cost of about UGX 350 million, but was found without basic steel reinforcement after it collapsed before commissioning.
Barugahara raised the concerns in a post following his visit to Bundibugyo, where he said he witnessed what he described as the shocking remains of the bridge.
The Minister further claimed that more than five bridges have been washed away in Bundibugyo, prompting questions about the quality of construction, supervision and management of public infrastructure projects in the area.
He questioned where the money allocated for the projects went and called for investigations into everyone involved in the procurement and construction process.
“Who designed, supervised, certified and paid for these works? Who approved them? Who benefited?” Barugahara asked.
The Minister also said the government must establish the facts, recover any public funds lost and hold those responsible accountable.
Barugahara acknowledged the government's role in providing resources for infrastructure and other public services but argued that corruption, weak supervision and poor workmanship continue to undermine service delivery.
He urged leaders and citizens to support stronger accountability measures, insisting that public resources must deliver value to Ugandans.
The allegations surrounding Tokwe Bridge and the reported destruction of other bridges are likely to raise renewed scrutiny of infrastructure projects in Bundibugyo, particularly regarding procurement, engineering standards, supervision and certification.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the bridge's construction and collapse, including whether public funds were properly utilised and whether the works met the required engineering standards.
Barugahara concluded with a strong warning against corruption, saying the era of misusing public funds must come to an end and calling for “zero tolerance to corruption, value for money and improved service delivery.”
