The transition, which is set to be completed by December 30, 2024, will see the transfer of responsibilities, assets, and staff to MoWT, ensuring the continuity of vital services and projects in the roads and infrastructure sector.
In a formal letter dated December 12, 2024, UNRA’s Executive Director informed Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wmala about the impending process.
The letter outlined several key actions, including the submission of the handover protocol and the initiation of the handover process, which will begin on December 16, 2024.
Protocol and Timeline
UNRA’s management has prepared a comprehensive Handover Protocol, which includes schedules and detailed reports for each department, outlining their tasks, ongoing projects, and associated assets.
A transition team will oversee the process, with representatives from both UNRA and MoWT “working closely to ensure a smooth transfer.”
UNRA will begin the handover at 23 regional stations across the country, followed by the UNRA Headquarters.
A crucial part of the transition is the appointment of a handover team from MoWT to collaborate with UNRA’s functional heads.
This will allow for a seamless transfer of knowledge and responsibilities.
Additionally, the transition plan includes the appointment of a Board of Survey to ensure the accurate valuation of assets.
A section of MPs had resisted government’s plans of merging UNRA with the Works Ministry, only to be overpowered by President Museveni.
The MPs defended UNRA’s record, saying for the last 15 years, the roads authority had constructed 3,686km of new paved national roads , representing an average of 230 km per year.
This is compared to 2,800km of paved roads that were constructed over a period of 50 years, from the 1950s to 2008, when UNRA was created.
Today, the total kilometers of paved roads managed by UNRA stand at 6,486km.
UNRA has built the National Road Network to its current net worth of USD 5.4 billion.
Staff Considerations
Meanwhile, Kagina said the handover will require a budget of Shs 123 million to facilitate the process, particularly at regional stations.
Kagina’s letter also highlighted the need to communicate the timeline for the payment of terminal benefits to UNRA staff as they transition to MoWT.
The final official handover ceremony is scheduled for December 30, 2024, at UNRA’s Kyambogo Offices, where the transition will be formally concluded.
This transition marks a significant shift in the governance structure of Uganda’s road infrastructure.
The Ministry of Works and Transport will now assume full responsibility for managing the country’s roads and related functions.
This change, government said, will streamline operations and improve the efficiency of road management across Uganda.
