UGANDA, Mubende | Real Muloodi News | Three officials from Mubende District have been arrested over allegations of mismanagement and corruption related to the construction of the Kibalinga Health Centre III maternity ward.
The accused include the acting district health officer, the district engineer, and the civil engineer. They face charges of abuse of office and neglect of duty.
During the Financial Year 2022/2023, the Mubende District Council approved USh150 million for the expansion of the maternity wards at Kibalinga Health Centre III and Kasambya Health Centre IV.
Out of the total funds, USh100 million was allocated to Kasambya Health Centre IV and USh50 million to Kibalinga Health Centre III.
However, it is alleged that the officials reduced the budget for the Kibalinga Health Centre III project to USh35 million and subsequently awarded the contract to the lowest bidder for USh33 million.
A few months later, the contractor abandoned the project, leaving the building incomplete and showing visible signs of shoddy work.
Emmanuel Bunya, the communications officer at the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, highlighted the inefficiency, stating, “It was incompetence of the highest order to leave public funds wasted in such a manner. Expectant mothers are currently delivering in unfinished buildings and risking the lives of both mothers and babies.”
The arrests took place after the State House Anti-Corruption Unit took the three officials to Mubende Central Police Station for further investigation.
The officials, including John Baptist Muzibira (district engineer), Kamya John Birungi (civil engineer), and Ssendikadiwa Vito Bosco (acting district health officer), are accused of failing to manage and supervise the project effectively.
Mr Richard Nsenga, a councillor representing Kibalinga Sub-county, welcomed the intervention by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.
He expressed relief, saying, “We have been raising these issues at the district level, but no one was paying attention. I am happy that State House has picked interest in the matter.”
The trio has been charged with neglect of duty and conspiracy to commit a felony and has been remanded until April 30, 2024.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and mismanagement in public construction projects, particularly in the completion of health infrastructure, and the impact on the well-being of communities.
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