Give local firms greater opportunities on major infrastructure projects - Engineers Raise Concern Over Foreign Firms in Major Infrastructure Projects

Are foreign firms favored in major infrastructure projects? Ugandan engineers are urging the government to implement policies that give local firms greater opportunities on major infrastructure projects.

Brief: Engineers have accused government of giving foreign engineering companies greater opportunities than Ugandan firms on major infrastructure projects. During a Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers tour of infrastructure projects in Kabale and Rubanda, professionals called for policies that give local engineering companies greater opportunities to gain experience, invest and compete on major projects.

Local engineers need to be given more opportunities

Implications:The debate highlights the tension between delivering major infrastructure and developing local engineering capacity. Greater participation by Ugandan firms could provide opportunities for skills transfer, project experience and domestic industry development, but the practical question is how local participation can be expanded while maintaining the technical and financial requirements of major projects.

Key takeaway:The issue is shifting from local participation as a principle to how Uganda can build genuine local capability through major infrastructure projects.