BULIISA – Hon. Balaam chairing an anti-corruption baraza in Buliisa District where massive exaggeration of procurement, shoddy works and misuse of funds were laid bare.
The meeting established that heads of departments have taken most contracts with inflated costs that do not reflect value for money.
At Waiga Primary School, renovation of staff quarters cost UGX 60.9m and rehabilitation of three classroom blocks cost UGX 60.09m. At Buliisa Primary School, a kitchen slab was built at UGX 8m with substandard work. At Kigwera Health Centre III, a kitchen was built at UGX 38m.
At Walukuba Primary School, two classroom blocks were built at UGX 146.4m. At Kihungya Seed School, the contractor was paid 80% yet most works remain incomplete, with full complaints already lodged in the minister’s office. Capitation grants at the school were also misused, with allegations that the head teacher gives kickbacks to the CAO.
At Kihungya Health Centre III, a multi-purpose ward was contracted at UGX 680m and paid 100% before completion. Funds meant for an incinerator at UGX 19m and walkways at UGX 57m were diverted to the ward, pushing the total to UGX 756m without council resolution. Renovation of the OPD at the same facility at UGX 66m involved only painting and replacement of fascia boards, which the CAO claimed was a bonus from the contractor yet it was a UGIFT donation.
The meeting further established that walkways at Butiaba HCIII, Kigwera HCIII and Avogera HCIII, each less than 15 metres, were built at UGX 57m each, totalling over UGX 200m. A client waiting shade at Avogera HCIII built with 20 iron sheets and 4 metallic poles cost UGX 28m. Extension of piped water for about one kilometre to Butiaba Health Centre from Tugombili main road cost UGX 114m. UGX 30m for emptying toilets was paid but no work was done.
At Kirama Vocational School, two dormitories, a two-stance VIP latrine and a staff quarter were built at UGX 354m without any advert for bidders. The contractor, Mutembe Company Ltd, used iron sheets donated by the Office of the Prime Minister for flood-affected communities. The structures have no ceiling.
On health, the meeting established that PHC funds at Buliisa General Hospital are mismanaged, with the CAO requesting UGX 20m every quarter through the Acting Medical Superintendent Dr. Kasombo Dean. An officer who raised the issue in a joint executive meeting was threatened with interdiction and issued a warning letter.
Patients referred to Hoima are asked to pay for fuel yet the ambulance has a fuel card.
The meeting also established that the CAO and Clerk to Council pay UGX 20m per semester to an unknown student in an unknown institution using district funds without council approval.
At Butiaba Health Centre, UGX 70m for fencing was paid 100% yet works are incomplete. At Biiso Health Centre, UGX 36m for solar repair shows no value for money.
On recruitment, the meeting established that health staff were promoted without wage and clearance from the Ministry of Public Service. The promoted staff have not had their salaries enhanced, with allegations of extortion by the District Service Commission.
Hon. Balaam said all the projects will be inspected and those responsible will be held accountable.
