MPs Block Extra 319B for Lubowa Hospital Construction

The Members of Parliament’s visit to the site was prompted by the Minister of Finance’s request for an extra 319 billion shillings in the next financial year as part of the construction costs.

The MPs blocked the request citing that the additional funds to be availed for the construction of the hospital required a value for money audit conducted.

The committee has not received any accountability for the hundreds of billions approved for the same project between 2019 and 2020. The hospital’s expectation was to be ready for use this year. 

Minister of Finance, Hon. Matia Kasaija, to issue a detailed statement on the status of the works, works were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The works were slowed down for two years because many of the experts working at the site returned to their countries. I also suggest that time is found and the MPs visit the site. It would be good for you to go there and see for yourself,” said Kasaija.

He added that the works were further affected by the disagreement between the developer and the contractor.

 “I am not defending the developer but the contractor had a financial problem so they had to be terminated and another found.” 

A whooping Shs348b has already been disbursed in the current financial year for the project, but MPs are concerned that there is no substantial work on-site to qualify for another disbursement.