Kasese Residents Question Shs95 Million School Kitchen Project

Residents of Hamukungu, Kasese District, are raising serious questions about the Shs95 million allocated for a new kitchen project at Hamukungu Parents Secondary School. Concerns have been voiced regarding the transparency and efficiency of public fund utilization, with locals alleging that the quality and scope of the work do not align with the substantial investment.

Further doubts have been cast on the project’s approval process. Residents claim construction commenced without the necessary approved building plans and that the accompanying Bills of Quantities (BOQs) appear unrealistic for the project’s described components. These components were intended to include a two-unit kitchen, roof drainage for kitchen and hostel blocks, and an energy-saving institutional cookstove.

Isaya Kanan, a local resident, expressed his bewilderment, stating, “When you look at this structure and compare it with the Shs95 million that was announced, the two do not match. We want a proper explanation of how this money has been used.” Another resident, Denis Tumuramye, echoed these sentiments, calling for an independent investigation to prevent a decline in public trust regarding government-funded initiatives.

The school’s Head Teacher also noted a lack of a project monitoring committee, which was expected after the project’s launch. He confirmed that while construction has progressed, the visible results do not seem to correspond with the announced funding.

David Rujumba, Kasese Assistant District Engineer, confirmed the Shs95 million budget, with Shs10 million designated for design and Shs85 million for construction. He explained that initial plans were modified during construction, necessitating a separate structure for the store due to anticipated size constraints.

In response to these widespread concerns, Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt Joe Walusimbi has ordered the Chief Administrative Officer to form a technical team. This team will rigorously assess whether the completed work justifies the Shs95 million expenditure. Walusimbi warned that stringent action, including prosecution, would be taken against the contractor if any misuse of public funds is identified. This situation also comes as residents are questioning the delay and accountability of a separate Shs48 million staff quarters project at the same school.