KAMPALA UGANDA: 23 October 2026— The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has cleared Mr. Bageya Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), allowing him to resume work after an investigation into cost escalations on the Busega-Mpigi Expressway project.
In a press statement issued on October 23, 2026, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, communicated the findings to the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Mrs. Ruth Nakyobe Mbonye.
In June 2026, President Yoweri Museveni ordered Bageya to step aside to allow investigations into alleged corruption, financial mismanagement, and the embezzlement of funds on the 23-kilometer Busega–Mpigi Expressway and its access roads.
The IG’s investigation revealed that the project was transferred from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to the MoWT in 2024 as part of the Rationalisation of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) exercise. The report confirmed that Mr. Bageya was not involved in the earlier decisions that led to the inflated costs. Instead, the investigation established that after the project’s transfer to the ministry, Mr. Bageya took active measures to resolve the issues.
“It was further established that, Mr. Bageya initiated technical audits, funding approval and procurement processes aimed at getting the project back on track after the transfer of the project to the MoWT. Therefore, the IGG has cleared Mr. Bageya of any wrongdoing.”
In issuing the directive, the Inspectorate cited its powers under Article 230(2) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the IG Act, Cap 32. The provisions empower the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to issue necessary and appropriate orders or directions during the course of duties or as a consequence of findings:
While the Permanent Secretary was exonerated, the Inspectorate has taken action against another senior ministry official.
The IGG has directed the PS in the MoWT to “immediately interdict Eng. Isaac Wani, the Commissioner National Roads, to pave the way for investigations into his alleged involvement in the escalation of the costs of the same project.”
To maintain operational continuity, the Permanent Secretary has further been directed to put in place interim arrangements ensuring the “uninterrupted discharge of the office during the period of interdiction.”
“Public interest demands that while investigations against an officer are ongoing, he or she should be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of the office to avoid interference with the investigations.” The IGG stated.
