Assessment of factors influencing performance of road construction projects in Uganda: a case study of ministry of works and transport

Abstract

The road construction projects in Uganda suffer from many problems and complex issues in performance such as; cost, time, scope and quality. The aim of this study was to assess the factors influencing performance of road construction projects in Uganda. The study adopted a descriptive research design and data were collected using questionnaires from 147 purposively selected respondents from Local construction companies, consultancy firms, and government officials from Ministry of Works and District Local governments. Relevant literature was reviewed to establish actual factors influencing performance of road construction projects in Uganda. Data were coded and entered into statistical packages for social scientists (SPSS) version 25. A total of 43 performance factors were identified and categorized into five factor groups. The data were analyzed descriptively using statistical correlation and regression analysis, multi-variate analysis and relative importance index (RII) was used to rank the identified factors. The study revealed five most significant and influential factors; contractors, clients/owners, contractor’s ability to mobilize to site, availability of funds, and cash flows, and three least influential factors; inadequate mobilization of resources, inadequate geotechnical and hydrological studies and lack of equipment. The study concluded that; contract management factors, project stake holders’ factors, and project financing factors significantly influence the performance of road construction projects in Uganda. The research study also recommended among others; setting aside finances for the project before commencement, putting in place competent supervision team for contract management, ensure fair and transparent procurement processes for proper performance of road construction projects. Key Words: Assessment, Performance, Road construction projects, relative importance index.