Summary:
MP Kwizera expressed concern that the withheld funds have caused a disaster, leading to the displacement of over 1,000 people as the river continues to wreak havoc in the area.
KAMPALA: The Member of Parliament for Bukimbiri County, Honorable Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, has urged the Ministry of Finance to release the Shs900 million it withheld for the construction of the Kinyamateke Bridge on the Kanyamateke-Busanza-Nyabwishenya road in Kisoro district.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, MP Kwizera expressed concern that the withheld funds have caused a disaster, leading to the displacement of over 1,000 people as the river continues to wreak havoc in the area.
“The Kinyamateke Bridge, which connects Bukimbiri County to Kisoro district, had a signed contract, and work was almost complete when the budget was cut by a shortfall of Shs900 million. This has caused a disaster, as the river has displaced over 1,000 people. My plea is that the Ministry of Finance should release the withheld funds, even against the certificate, because the non-payment has led to this crisis,” he said.
In response, the Minister of Finance for General Duties, Henry Musasizi, explained that the government has plans to clear most of its outstanding debts to contractors following reports that many had abandoned their projects due to the government’s failure to settle payments.
“First, the Ministry of Finance does not withhold money. We manage resources based on cash flow. When funds are available, we release them, and when there are cash shortages, we hold. However, I have good news for Kwizera and the contractors in this category. In the Supplementary Budget, there is a provision to cover some of the outstanding obligations so that contractors can complete the work that has been delayed,” said Minister Musasizi.
The project, which started in March 2024 with an initial allocation of over 1.9 billion shillings, is being managed by Geses Construction Ltd.
The project was initially championed by the late Hon. Sarah Mateke, the former State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs.
Since her passing in September 2024, work on the bridge has stalled, raising concerns about the district’s leadership and its ability to carry forward her development agenda.
The halted construction has disrupted the natural flow of the Kaku River, causing water to accumulate and form what locals have dubbed “Lake Nyumba.”
This unexpected body of water has submerged farmland and homes, severely affecting the livelihoods of over 1,000 residents, many of whom are now facing a food shortage.
