UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Construction work on the Busia Central Police Station housing project, aimed at providing accommodation for 200 lower-ranking officers, has reportedly come to a halt for a year, causing discontent among officers.
Estimated at around USh1 billion, the project is part of a larger initiative announced by Inspector General of Police, Mr Martins Okoth-Ochola, to build approximately 53,000 housing units for police officers nationwide.
Officers interviewed expressed frustration with the slow progress of the construction.
Last year, the Police Construction Unit demolished old uniports used for accommodation, to replace them with new structures.
However, the project reportedly stalled at the foundation stage, forcing officers to seek alternative housing outside the police barracks. Many officers find the cost of renting these accommodations financially burdensome.
Rent for these external houses ranges from USh100,000 to USh150,000 per month, and officers additionally spend about USh40,000 on utilities like water and electricity.
With a monthly salary of USh485,000, the officers face financial constraints. After deducting Sacco contributions, rent, utility bills, loan repayments, and transport costs, they are left with a limited amount for other essential needs such as education, healthcare, and household essentials.
Surviving on a meagre balance of USh25,000 after covering these expenses, officers struggle to meet the basic needs of their families.
Some landlords, like Mr Asuman Kwamusi, report difficulties in collecting rent from police officer tenants, citing delays in salary disbursement or the insufficiency of the meagre salaries.
The foundation of the housing project, prepared in anticipation of new units, now lies abandoned, overgrown with vegetation, and deteriorating under the impact of heavy rains.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, currently on leave, directed inquiries to Deputy ACP Claire Nabachwa, who, in turn, stated the need to consult with the Police Construction Unit before providing further information.
The delay in the Busia police housing project not only impacts officer living conditions but also raises questions about the effectiveness and progress of the broader initiative to provide suitable housing for police officers across Uganda.
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