Assessment of infrastructure project delays in Kampala

Abstract

The study investigated the key factors and challenges contributing to project delays under KCCA and to propose strategies for mitigating them. The study was premised on three objectives: to examine the factors contributing to project delays at KCCA, to assess the challenges leading to the continued existence of project delays at KCCA, and to examine the strategies for mitigating project delays at KCCA. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a descriptive and cross-sectional research design with a quantitative approach that involved the collection of numerical data from the 114 project managers and supervisors on projects at KCCA. The study identified that key factors contributing to project delays at KCCA include political interference (Mean = 3.42, SD = 1.287), insufficient physical resources (Mean = 4.05, SD = 0.957), prolonged approval processes (Mean = 4.03, SD = 0.885), and inadequate project planning (Mean = 3.89, SD = 0.658). It further revealed that persistent challenges aggravating these delays include inadequate project planning (Mean = 4.05, SD = 1.012), limited technical expertise among project staff (Mean = 3.42, SD = 1.426), weak monitoring and evaluation systems (Mean = 3.39, SD = 1.220), and funding shortfalls (Mean = 3.39, SD = 1.405). To mitigate these issues, the study found that reducing political interference (Mean = 4.42, SD = 0.826), enhancing project planning (Mean = 4.16, SD = 1.151), engaging stakeholders through structured consultation (Mean = 3.74, SD = 1.201), and reducing corruption (Mean = 3.55, SD = 1.370) are among the most effective strategies endorsed by project managers at KCCA. The study recommends strengthening project planning frameworks and creating a dedicated planning unit to ensure realistic and well-structured project execution at KCCA. It emphasizes the need for continuous technical training for project staff to enhance their capacity and responsiveness. Reducing political interference through clear policy boundaries is also advised, alongside improved stakeholder engagement through transparent communication. Lastly, digitizing monitoring and evaluation systems is proposed to boost accountability and enable real-time project tracking. Subject keywords; Infrastructure project delays, Kampala.