In a decisive move to streamline public sector operations, the Ugandan government has dissolved the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), resulting in the termination of all its staff appointments. This action is part of a broader rationalisation strategy aimed at merging and restructuring various government agencies to enhance efficiency and reduce redundancy.
General Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, issued a statement on December 23, 2024, informing UNRA employees that their appointments had ceased following the gazetting of the Uganda National Roads Authority (Repeal) Act, 2024. He directed all staff to hand over office and government property by December 30, 2024, and assured them that their terminal benefits would be processed after verification.
Established in 2006, UNRA has been instrumental in modernising Uganda’s road infrastructure, overseeing significant projects such as the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. Under the leadership of Executive Director Allen Kagina since 2015, the agency achieved notable milestones in expanding and maintaining the nation’s road network.
The dissolution of UNRA follows the repeal of its founding Act by Parliament on November 6, 2024, with President Museveni assenting to the legislation on December 18. The move is part of a larger government initiative to rationalise agencies, which has already led to the closure of 21 agencies, affecting 219 employees.
The Ministry of Works and Transport will now assume full responsibility for managing Uganda’s road network. While the government has allocated funds for compensating affected employees, concerns remain about the redeployment of skilled personnel and the potential impact on ongoing infrastructure projects.
As the transition unfolds, stakeholders are keenly observing how the integration of UNRA’s functions into the Ministry will affect the future of Uganda’s road development and maintenance. The government maintains that this restructuring will lead to more efficient service delivery and better utilisation of public resources.
