KAMPALA, Uganda | President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law the Uganda National Roads Authority Act (Repeal) Act 2024, effectively dissolving the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). Established in 2006, UNRA was tasked with managing, maintaining, and developing Uganda’s national roads network, advising the government on road policy, and addressing transport concerns within national planning.
For nearly two decades, UNRA played a significant role in Uganda’s infrastructure development, delivering roads that connected communities, fostered trade, and supported economic growth. However, according to the government, this new legislation is expected to “relieve the financial drain on resources” and eliminate “duplication of mandates and wasteful administration,” paving the way for more efficient service delivery.
The dissolution of UNRA has not come without controversy. While the government argues that the move will promote fiscal prudence and better delineation of responsibilities among ministries, critics, including members of Parliament’s Infrastructure Committee, have voiced concerns. “UNRA delivered on its mandate despite being constrained by limited funding,” said one MP.
The law provides for the transfer of all UNRA’s property, assets, and liabilities to the Ministry of Works and Transport. Staff and board members will receive terminal benefits as per their terms of service, but the decision has raised questions about the continuity of projects and the morale of employees.
CADER’s Journey Comes to an End
The Centre for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (CADER) has also been dissolved under the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act 2024. Established as a self-accounting entity to champion arbitration in Uganda, CADER’s functions will now revert to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
This decision follows years of operational struggles at CADER, including limited funding, insufficient skilled personnel, and delayed arbitration processes. The inefficiencies at CADER rendered arbitration—an otherwise faster and cost-effective alternative to litigation—unappealing for many. By integrating CADER into the Ministry of Justice, the government aims to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
While some applaud this move as a step towards better management, others lament the end of CADER as a standalone entity, highlighting its unrealized potential due to years of neglect.
Eight Other Agencies Affected
The repeal of UNRA and CADER’s dissolution forms part of a broader government agenda to streamline agencies. Among the eight other entities dissolved by new legislation are:
While the government defends these changes as necessary to “streamline operations, reduce waste, and improve service delivery,” the sweeping reforms have raised eyebrows. Critics warn that dissolving these agencies could disrupt services and erode institutional knowledge.
While these legislative changes mark the beginning of a transformative era, the success of the reforms will depend on the government’s ability to implement the changes effectively, ensure continuity of services, and uphold its promise of better efficiency. The outcomes of these decisions will likely shape Uganda’s governance and service delivery in the years to come.
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