An assessment of risk allocation and mitigation practices in public road construction projects in Uganda: a case study of selected projects in the Elgon region.

Abstract

Public road construction projects play a critical role in supporting socio-economic development through improved transportation, connectivity, and access to essential services. Despite significant public investment in road infrastructure in Uganda, many projects continue to experience delays, cost overruns, quality deficiencies, and contractual disputes, partly due to weaknesses in risk allocation and mitigation practices. This study assessed risk allocation and mitigation practices in public road construction projects in Uganda, with specific focus on selected projects in the Elgon Region. The study was guided by five objectives: to evaluate the effectiveness of risk allocation practices, examine challenges affecting effective risk allocation, assess the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies, identify challenges hindering implementation of risk mitigation measures, and propose recommendations for improving risk allocation and mitigation practices. The study adopted a mixed-methods research approach using a cross-sectional research design. Quantitative data were collected from 80 respondents out of a targeted sample of 97 project stakeholders, representing a response rate of 82.5%, while qualitative data were obtained from 10 key informants out of a targeted 15, representing a response rate of 66.7%. Data were collected using questionnaires and key informant interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that risk allocation practices were generally effective, with an aggregate mean score of 4.05. Respondents agreed that effective risk allocation improves project performance (Mean = 4.29), contributes to timely project completion (Mean = 4.26), and reduces disputes among stakeholders (Mean = 4.14). However, environmental risks were found to be less effectively allocated compared to other categories of risks. The study further established that political influence (Mean = 4.32), delayed decision-making (Mean = 4.24), institutional weaknesses (Mean = 4.20), and unclear contractual provisions (Mean = 4.18) were major challenges affecting effective risk allocation. The findings also indicated that risk mitigation strategies were generally effective, with an aggregate mean score of 4.18. Geotechnical investigations (Mean = 4.35), contingency planning (Mean = 4.20), project supervision mechanisms (Mean = 4.18), and environmental management plans (Mean = 4.10) were identified as important mitigation measures contributing to improved project outcomes. However, implementation of mitigation strategies was constrained by delayed government funding (Mean = 4.41), environmental uncertainties (Mean = 4.33), institutional capacity limitations (Mean = 4.18), weak monitoring systems (Mean = 4.15), and poor stakeholder coordination (Mean = 4.12). The study concludes that effective risk allocation and mitigation practices significantly contribute to improved performance of public road construction projects. However, governance challenges, institutional weaknesses, funding delays, and environmental uncertainties continue to undermine effective risk management. The study recommends strengthening contractual risk allocation frameworks, enhancing institutional capacity, improving project financing mechanisms, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, increasing stakeholder participation, and adopting modern risk management technologies to improve infrastructure project performance.