A Qualitative Analysis of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Project Contracts in the Roads Sector. A Contextual Elucidation of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA)

Abstract

Public Private Partnership Projects continue to gain momentum across the world. Governments in developing countries now find PPP projects as an alternative to conventional financing and providing public infrastructure. Guided by the principal agency theory, this study examines different types of PPP Project contracts in the roads sector with specific focus on the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). Contracting out of projects in the roads sector has led to increased costs of road construction in Uganda. The main objectives of this study are to examine the relevance of the principal-agency theory to the adoption of PPP project contracts by UNRA and establish the types of PPP Project contracts suitable for adoption by UNRA. Data was collected through literature survey and interviews. Study findings revealed that Principal-Agency theory is relevant to adoption of PPP project contracts and that UNRA intends to use mainly management PPP contract. It is concluded that principal-agent relationship is very crucial if the execution of PPP Project contracts is to be a success and that there is a very high chance that UNRA is planning to also adopt the use of Build, Own and Transfer (BOT) PPP Project contract in the roads sector. The study recommends that UNRA should ensure a cordial relationship with private parties and not rely solely on management PPP contracts. The organisation should explore other PPP project contracts such as Private Finance Initiative, Leasing, Design Build, Build Operate and Transfer, and then Design Build and Finance. The choice of contracts should always be based on affordability and value for money.