Mbale’s ‘Ghost Road’: How a UGX 300 million project ended in mud, stalled vehicles and an engineer’s arrest
Authorities accuse the engineer of causing financial loss to the government through negligence and failure to properly supervise the road project.
What was supposed to be a six-kilometre road connecting communities in Bungokho North Constituency has instead become the centre of a corruption probe after government officials found a road so impassable that they were forced to abandon their vehicles and continue on foot.
The inspection, led by the Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, exposed what officials described as glaring discrepancies between official expenditure records and the actual state of the Kyasura–Bukingala road in Mbale District.
According to the minister, district records indicate that UGX 300 million had already been spent on the project by June 2026. However, the inspection team found little evidence of work commensurate with the amount reportedly invested.
Instead, vehicles carrying the minister, Members of Parliament, district officials, security personnel and local leaders became stuck in the mud, forcing the delegation to walk nearly three kilometres to reach the project site.
“What we found was deeply disturbing,” Barugahara said after the inspection. “Despite records showing that UGX 300 million had been spent, the road remained in such a poor condition that all our vehicles got stuck.”
Engineer Arrested
The findings prompted the immediate arrest of Mbale District Engineer, Eng. Robert Nakimoro, by a joint investigation team.
Authorities accuse the engineer of causing financial loss to the government through negligence and failure to properly supervise the road project.
Nakimoro is currently in custody as investigators examine whether public funds allocated to the project were misappropriated.
The minister said the investigations would not stop with one official.
“Any other officials found culpable will be held accountable in accordance with the law. Public resources must be protected, and those entrusted with their management must be accountable,” he said.
Wider Crackdown on Local Government Corruption
The inspection brought together Bungokho North legislators Justine Namere, Hon. Shafiga and Mohammad Masaba, alongside the Mbale District Chairperson, Chief Administrative Officer, Resident Police Commander Twala, the Chief Internal Security Officer, other security agencies, local leaders and residents.
The minister used the occasion to send a strong warning to public officials accused of diverting funds intended for essential infrastructure.
“The era of stealing money meant for roads and other public infrastructure in local governments is over,” he declared. “Every shilling allocated for service delivery must be accounted for, and those responsible will face the law.”
Spotlight on Road Projects
The case has now been referred to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), which are expected to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds.
The incident underscores growing government efforts to tighten oversight of infrastructure projects in local governments amid persistent concerns over poor-quality roads despite significant public investment.
For many residents of Bungokho North, the outcome of the investigations will be closely watched, not only to determine what happened to the UGX 300 million, but also to establish whether accountability will finally translate into better roads and improved public service delivery.
