The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has cleared Ministry of Works and Transport Permanent Secretary Waiswa Bageya of allegations linking him to the escalation of construction costs for the Busega-Mpigi Expressway. However, the investigation has taken a different turn for Commissioner for National Roads Eng. Isaac Wani, who has been recommended for interdiction to pave the way for further investigations into the controversial project.
The decision was confirmed on Friday, October 23, 2026, in a statement issued by the Inspectorate of Government under the leadership of Inspector General of Government Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala. The development brings some relief to Bageya, whose position had come under scrutiny amid concerns surrounding the rising costs of the major infrastructure project.
According to the IGG, investigations established that Bageya was not involved in the earlier decisions that led to the escalation of the project’s construction costs. The findings distinguish his role from the decisions made before the project was transferred to the Ministry of Works and Transport, placing the focus on the circumstances surrounding the earlier stages of implementation.
The Inspectorate explained that the Busega-Mpigi Expressway project was transferred to the Ministry of Works and Transport in 2024 from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) following the government’s rationalisation of agencies. The transfer marked a change in the institution responsible for overseeing the project, making the timeline of decisions an important consideration in determining individual responsibility.
Investigators further established that Bageya initiated technical audits, funding approval procedures and procurement processes after the project came under his ministry’s supervision. These measures were reportedly intended to address outstanding challenges and help move the project forward. The IGG’s findings indicate that his involvement focused on efforts to restore progress rather than the earlier decisions associated with the increase in construction costs.
While Bageya has been cleared, the recommendation to interdict Eng. Isaac Wani signals that investigations into the matter are not yet over. The proposed interdiction is intended to facilitate further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the project. However, the recommendation should not be interpreted as a final determination of wrongdoing, as the investigation process is expected to establish any outstanding facts.
The Busega-Mpigi Expressway is an important road infrastructure project, making questions surrounding its cost, procurement and implementation a matter of public interest. The controversy highlights the need for accountability in government infrastructure projects, where decisions involving public funds must be supported by transparent procedures, proper documentation and effective oversight to safeguard taxpayers’ money.
With the IGG’s findings now distinguishing Bageya’s role from the earlier decisions that contributed to the cost escalation, attention is likely to turn to the further investigations involving the National Roads Commissioner. The outcome of those inquiries will be important in clarifying outstanding questions about the project and determining whether any additional administrative or legal action is warranted.
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