The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade has come under scrutiny for delays in the construction of key health facilities in Rubanda District, despite receiving the majority of project funds.
Speaking during the Rubanda District Budget Conference for the 2026/2027 financial year held at Volcano Hotel in Rubanda Town Council on Thursday, District Chairperson Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba expressed concern over the slow progress of works at Rubanda District Hospital.
Kasyaba revealed that while the district has released up to 86% of the funds to the UPDF Engineering Brigade, progress at the site remains at just 22%.
“Imagine, they are still at 22% even after receiving 86% of the funds, and the explanation is not clear,” Kasyaba lamented.
He added that district leaders have compiled a document proposing solutions to the challenge, which will be presented to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during his forthcoming visit to the Kigezi Sub-region.
Kasyaba also cited similar delays at Bufundi Health Centre IV, where the UPDF Engineering Brigade is undertaking works worth over Shs 600 million.
“Since the UPDF came in under a Presidential directive, we are trusting only President Museveni,” he noted.
Despite these challenges, Kasyaba highlighted several achievements by his administration, including an increase in the district budget from Shs 36 billion to Shs 46 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year.
He attributed the growth to effective planning and implementation by both political leaders and technocrats, as well as strategic lobbying by State Minister of Finance, Hon. Henry Musasizi, the district’s most senior government official.
The chairperson also reported progress in improving sanitation in schools, with 56 pit latrines constructed so far and plans to reach 110. Additionally, the district has been providing iron sheets, twin desks, and scholastic materials to schools with ongoing Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) projects.
Rubanda District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Samuel Ahabwe reaffirmed the district’s commitment to priority areas outlined by Kasyaba. These include the maintenance of urban and community roads, completion of the general hospital in Muko Subcounty, construction of classroom blocks and toilet facilities, completion of the Council and Administration Block and the District Health Office, as well as the installation of micro-scale irrigation systems and expansion of piped and gravity flow water schemes.
District Planner Wilberforce Korugyendo commended the district council for ensuring equitable allocation of resources across all subcounties.
“I want to thank you, Chairman, and your team for ensuring equity in the district cake allocations,” Korugyendo said, noting that each subcounty has benefited from at least one significant project.
Meanwhile, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Eric Ssewandigi urged civil servants to become proactive ambassadors for government programs and achievements.
“Go out there and tell the people,” he said, emphasizing that civil servants are the link between government programs and the community.
Ssewandigi encouraged leaders to rally behind mobilization efforts in support of President Museveni and the NRM, assuring them that government programs like Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga have already empowered communities.
He further revealed that the Office of the President will hold a meeting with all civil servants in Rubanda District on November 14, 2025, to harmonize efforts, share ideas, and strengthen the district’s contribution to national development.
The Source Reports.
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