Dott Services Limited has come under scrutiny after lawmakers called for a forensic audit of Uganda’s road construction project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Public Accounts Committee raised concerns following revelations that the company was overpaid by UGX 124.5 billion for incomplete work, with the cost per kilometre flagged as excessively high at UGX 8.5 billion.
In a report based on December 2023 findings from the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Committee highlighted significant delays in the project as well as ongoing tax disputes over construction materials.
The project, which aims to construct and upgrade 222 kilometres of major roads such as Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni-Butembo (133 km) and Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma (89 km), is expected to enhance trade, security, and regional connectivity between Uganda and the DRC.
Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Muwanga Kivumbi, emphasised the need for accountability: “The Auditor General should carry out a forensic audit on the efficacy of the project, and the responsible paymasters should be held accountable. The total project cost is estimated at US$509 million (UGX 1.7 trillion), translating to US$2.29 million (UGX 8.5 billion) per kilometre, which is exorbitant under any circumstance.”
He also noted that despite Uganda having contributed over US$66 million—more than half of its expected US$101 million contribution—only 17% of the work had been completed.
While Ministry of Works officials attributed the delays to DRC authorities blocking construction materials at customs and demanding taxes despite a bilateral tax exemption agreement, the Committee was not provided with the contract to verify these claims.
The report recommends that the Auditor General conduct a thorough audit of the project, given the massive overpayment and slow progress, to ensure transparency and accountability.
Both Uganda and the DRC are responsible for 40% of the project’s funding (20% each), with Dott Services tasked with mobilising the remaining 60%.
However, the inflated costs and delays have raised serious concerns about the management and efficacy of the project.
