The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are under fire from Rukiga County Member of Parliament, Honorable Roland Bish Ndyomugyenyi, for abandoning construction works at Kihanga Secondary School.
In the 2024/2025 financial year, the Government of Uganda allocated 802 million shillings to construct a laboratory, four classroom blocks, and three toilet blocks with twelve stances, five each for girls and boys and two for teachers.
To the MP’s dismay, the buildings were abandoned at the slab level. The UPDF Engineering Brigade reportedly only dug holes for the toilets before leaving the site without explanation.
Addressing the congregation during the launch of Tarehe Sita activities at St. Paul’s Bukinda Secondary School in Bukinda Sub-county on Wednesday, Ndyomugyenyi said the full amount had already been paid to the UPDF Engineering Brigade. He noted that the abandonment of the project has stalled the development of Kihanga Secondary School.
CUE IN NDYOMUGYENYI ……ON UPDF……ENG//
The Headteacher of Kihanga Secondary School, Onesmas Rukundo, said the laboratory was expected to support students during examinations, but the incomplete construction frustrated their plans.
He added that after the old toilets were demolished, the school had to incur extra costs for temporary facilities for teachers. Rukundo said he has notified the relevant offices and remains hopeful that construction will resume.
CUE IN RUKUNDO …ON THE MATTER……RR.ENG//
The State Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, said she was unaware that the UPDF had abandoned the project. She pledged to follow up, investigate the cause, and ensure the works resume.
CUE IN MINISTER OLERU……ON RESPONSE……ENG//
Meanwhile, National Political Commissar, Lt. Gen. Henry Matsiko, reiterated that the UPDF remains committed to defending Uganda’s sovereignty during the forthcoming general elections. He emphasized that many countries have faced destabilization during elections due to foreign interference, and the UPDF will not allow such disruptions.
CUE IN MATSIKO ……ON PEACE……RR//
