Investigating the dynamics of delays in public building projects in Uganda

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamics of delays in public building projects in Uganda, with a focus on identifying the types, causes, and impacts of delays on project timelines and outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights from interviews with key stakeholders, including project managers, engineers, and contractors. The status of the projects for instance were, 51.4% of public building projects were ongoing, with over 47% facing delays extending between 6 to 12 months, and 38.9% delayed beyond 12 months. The findings reveal that weather-related delays (25%), material procurement issues (19.4%), and labour shortages (26.4%) are the most significant contributors to project delays. Additional factors such as design changes (15.3%) and regulatory delays, including permitting and approval processes (5.6%), also play a crucial role. The research shows that these delays lead to substantial socio-economic impacts, including increased project costs, extended timelines, and delayed service delivery, ultimately affecting infrastructure development in Uganda. To address these challenges, the study recommends adopting advanced project management tools, such as the Critical Path Method (CPM) and Time Impact Analysis (TIA), integrating accurate weather forecasting into project planning, improving procurement systems, and streamlining regulatory frameworks. The research contributes original insights into the specific delay factors in fast-urbanizing cities like Mbarara and suggests further studies on integrating smart technologies to mitigate delays.