Minister Byamukama Claims ‘Mafias’ Are Plotting to Put Him Down Over Corruption Crackdown in Works and Transport Ministry

Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama has warned that contractors and officials found abusing government projects will face action, saying his tenure will focus on strengthening accountability in the ministry.

Mr Byamukama said some individuals have benefited from practices such as inflated project costs, unnecessary contract extensions and questionable claims, but insisted that such dealings will not continue under his leadership.

“The matter of eating government money through price escalation, claims and extension of contracts has stopped,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while inspecting ongoing works along the Namboole-Busega road corridor, where he said the government could no longer continue losing resources through delayed projects and financial mismanagement.

He said some people who have benefited from government projects were uncomfortable with his approach and were attempting to resist the reforms he has introduced.

Mr Byamukama, who was recently promoted from State Minister for Works to Cabinet Minister in President Yoweri Museveni’s reshuffle, claimed that unnamed individuals he referred to as “mafias” were planning to undermine his work.

“I have heard mafias saying that this ‘ka younger boy’ has come with a lot of energy and they’re plotting to put me down,” he said.

The minister, however, said he would not be intimidated by the alleged plans, adding that he had the authority and resources to deal with anyone who attempts to interfere with his responsibilities.

“For you it will take you ages to plan for me and me I will take you out of action in one day,” he said.

Mr Byamukama accused some officials and contractors of working together to exploit government projects, saying the country had lost billions of shillings through such practices.

He warned that companies found involved in corruption could face penalties, including being blacklisted from future government contracts.

The minister’s comments come at a time when major infrastructure projects are under scrutiny over rising costs and delays, including the Busega-Mpigi Expressway and its access roads.

President Museveni has previously questioned the increase in the cost of the 23-kilometre expressway project, asking why spending had risen significantly from the initial estimates.

Mr Byamukama said he plans to adopt President Museveni’s “Kisanja no sleep” approach by ensuring faster implementation of government programmes and closer supervision of projects under his ministry.

He replaces Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, who served as Works and Transport Minister for about seven years.

Since taking charge of the ministry, Mr Byamukama has said his focus will be on improving efficiency, tightening supervision of road projects and addressing concerns surrounding the cost and quality of infrastructure works.

The minister did not identify the individuals he accused of plotting against him, and his claims about the alleged opposition have not been independently verified.