A review of success factors for design-build contracts in Uganda; a case study of Kampala.

Abstract

The study review success factors for design-build contracts in Uganda; A case study of Kampala. This study was guided by the following objectives; to review factors that affect the performance of DB contract, analyze how these factors apply in the Ugandan construction industry, reveal the challenges faced by DB contracts in Uganda and to examine the different changes needed to DB contracts in Uganda. Survey Method, the questionnaire was used to collect data from; Civil engineers, Architects and Quantity surveyors. The questions that these respondents answered on a Likert scale were drawn from these study objectives. The study employed the interview method. Interviews in this study helped the researcher obtain more information on the topic under investigation. The researcher interviewed contractors and architects in line with the study objectives and the interview guide. The researcher reviewed documents in order to obtain recorded information that is related to success factors for design-build contracts in the developing economies, the study also used Archival records, to get information related to the study, when the research observed key documents and information about design and build were also further included in the study, a sample size of 40 respondents was taken from a total population of 45 respondents, who included civil engineers, Architects, quantity surveyors, and construction contractors. The research confirmed that D&B offers significant advantages over traditional methods, including greater flexibility for early design adjustments, faster decision-making, and improved communication through single-point responsibility, enhanced time efficiency via integrated scheduling (e.g., Gantt charts, simplified client supervision, better cost control through negotiated savings, and stronger quality assurance and accountability. The Mbuya project demonstrated that early presentation of architectural designs, provision of financial guarantees by reputable institutions, and proactive risk identification (especially funder liquidity) substantially increased client confidence and project momentum. However, benefits were partly offset by delays in approvals, under-quoting, and coordination challenges within joint ventures. To maximise D&B potential for affordable housing, the study recommends that contractors should be empowered for early-stage design changes, adopt robust scheduling tools, maintain direct and regular client communication, enforce rigorous quality supervision, secure financial guarantees, ensure realistic and detailed early cost planning, and present designs for client approval before contract award.