Construction of Kochi bridge stalls over funding disputes

The construction of the Kochi Bridge in Obongi District has stalled for nearly two years due to a funding dispute.

The contractor, Shatman Construction Limited, is demanding an additional Shs1.89 billion to complete the project, despite initial agreements pegging the cost at Shs2.4 billion.

The project, launched in February 2023 under the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), was expected to be completed by December 2023.

However, construction halted throughout 2024, with progress now at a standstill.

According to Mr Benson Otim Hamson, Obongi's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), design changes during construction caused significant cost increases.

"The original design planned for a 6-meter-high and 15-meter-long bridge. However, it was realized during construction that the volume of water in River Kochi required adjustments, increasing the height to 9 meters and the length to 20 meters. Unfortunately, the budget was not revised to reflect these changes," Mr Otim explained.

A technical review by the Ministry of Works, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and the contractor confirmed that an additional Shs1.89 billion is required. The district has so far received Shs1 billion to facilitate further progress.

Mr Otim assured the public that efforts are underway to resolve the issue. "The contractor has a pending certificate worth Shs 668 million. We are engaging him to resume work and ensure the bridge becomes motorable," he said.

Contractor’s perspective
Mr Benon Tumuhimbife, the director of Shatman Construction Limited, dismissed claims that he abandoned the project, attributing delays to non-payment.

"I have not abandoned the project. My staff is still on-site. However, I have been demanding Shs 668 million for the whole of last year. The delay is not Obongi District's fault but OPM’s. If it were the district’s issue, I would have taken them to court," he said.

He added that the project is now 90% complete and could be finalized within 30 working days if funds are made available.

"I have been borrowing money from lenders, and my properties have been seized by Equity Bank. Without funds, I cannot do much," Tumuhimbife lamented.

Economic and social impact
Local leaders have expressed concern over the stalled project’s impact on the community. Mr Siraji Karala-Karala, the LC3 chairperson of Itula Sub-county, called the delay a serious setback.

"This bridge connects Itula to Yumbe, West Nile, Congo, Adjumani, and South Sudan. It is vital for improving service delivery for both nationals and refugees in Obongi and the Bidibidi refugee settlement. Failing to complete it is a huge economic sabotage," he said.

Obongi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Samuel Hassaka Mpimbaza, criticized the district and the OPM for failing to release funds promptly.

"Unfortunately, the government has invested so much in this project, yet it remains incomplete. People cannot transport goods, school children are stranded when River Kochi floods, and business activities are disrupted," Mpimbaza said.

About DRDIP
The Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP) was launched in 2017 by the World Bank in partnership with the Ugandan government. It aims to address challenges posed by displacement by supporting both refugees and host communities.

The project focuses on improving socio-economic conditions for vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, and is expected to benefit over 500,000 people. Kochi Bridge is among initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure and service delivery in displacement-affected areas.

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