Contesting the imagined futures of infrastructure projects in Uganda

This paper critically examines the impacts of Chinese-backed infrastructure projects in Uganda, focusing on the tensions and conflicts surrounding their development. It highlights how the anticipated benefits of these projects are often contested and met with collective resistance. Drawing on interdisciplinary frameworks of state capacity and contentious politics, we analyze two key examples of Chinese-backed infrastructure projects in Uganda: the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway (KEE) and the Entebbe International Airport Expansion Project. Our central argument is that Uganda’s weak state capacity facilitates poorly planned and executed projects, leading to their failure to meet expectations. Discontent arises from the gap between the promised futures of these infrastructure projects and the disappointing realities they have produced. This disconnect can be attributed to systemic issues stemming from the state’s inability to effectively govern and manage the projects. The consequences of Uganda’s weak state capacity include widespread corruption, a lack of transparency and accountability, disregard for human rights, inadequate risk assessment, and poor adherence to regulations. Furthermore, limited community engagement and the failure to address local concerns have compounded the socio-political challenges facing the country. These issues are reflected in the growing public disillusionment, as evidenced by the recurring protests against the government.