Impact of project management on construction supervision: a case study of St. Noah Nfuufu Road (2.0km) in Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District

Abstract

Effective project management plays a vital role in the successful execution and supervision of construction projects, particularly in the public infrastructure sector where accountability, resource limitations, and stakeholder expectations are critical. In Uganda, many road construction projects face challenges such as delays, cost overruns, and quality issues often linked to weaknesses in project management and site supervision. This study examined the impact of project management practices on construction supervision, using the St. Noah Nfuufu Road project (2.0 km) in Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District, as a case study. The research aimed to assess how core project management principles particularly in time, cost, quality, stakeholder, and communication management were applied in practice, and how they influenced project outcomes. A case study research design was adopted, utilizing document review and field observations. Data analysis was both thematic and descriptive, aligning findings with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) framework and Uganda’s national road construction standards. The findings revealed that while formal project management structures were in place, their application was often adapted to local realities, including resource constraints, political pressure, and stakeholder dynamics. Time and cost control were challenged by delayed disbursements and scope variations, while quality assurance and stakeholder engagement proved to be critical factors in maintaining progress and minimizing resistance. The study concludes that effective supervision, proactive stakeholder involvement, and consistent documentation practices significantly enhance project delivery even in resourceconstrained public works environments. It recommends improved early-stage planning, the use of digital tools, strengthened site supervision, and better testing infrastructure as key strategies for enhancing construction project outcomes in similar contexts.