Title: The paradox of Treasuring Engineers performance determinants and road construction activities in Uganda: Empirical lessons learnt from Kakumiro-Hoima, Bulisa projects.
Authors: Mark Kiiza , Salvatore Fava
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 41-50
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
Over the decades, there has been a growing concern about the challenges of engineers 'performance determinants and road construction activities in Uganda. The study adopted descriptive mixed methods to enable the collection of qualitative and quantitative data. A case research design was adopted to enable an in-depth understanding of the variables under investigation. A sample of 166 representatives was engaged in the study. The study used, survey, interviews, focused group discussion and documentary review in data collection. The data was analysed with maximum care. The data collected was entered using SPSS version 21 and analysed with Structural Equation Modelling using AMOS version 21 to test hypothesizes. The results show that a unit improvement in contractor selection leads to 23% improvement the performance of road construction projects (r = 0.231, p=0.006). On the other hand a unit improvement in contractor supervising leads to 50% improvement in performance of road construction projects (r = 0.50, p<0.05). The study further demonstrated that the moderating effect of the PPDA as an oversight agency on performance on road construction projects is felt more via the selection process at 7.5% (r=0.075, p=0.002) than in contractor supervising at 1.2% (r=0.0117, p=0.001). The study identified some key factors that are affecting performance, such as focusing more on preliminary eligibility requirements. Conclusion: Contractors' competence and experience affect performance, delayed contractor payment and weak machinery. Therefore, the road agency in Uganda should focus more on supervising contractors since it is where the best elements of performance, that is, time, cost and quality, will be most improved. The study recommends a proactive collaboration focus on contractors' capability rather than eligibility in selection; review the contractor procedures in the PPDA Act; and improve the skills of the supervising teams, develop an information sharing mechanism to support decision-making and enhance transparency among agencies involved in road infrastructure development. The study achieved the overall purpose the evaluation of Engineer's performance and road construction activities, hence recommending improvement in the performance of road construction projects in Uganda.