MPs Blocked Again from Lubowa Hospital Site Despite Ministerial Directive

Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and members of the shadow cabinet faced another denial of access to the Lubowa International Specialised Hospital (ISHU) construction site this past Wednesday. This occurred despite an explicit written directive from the Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, authorizing their visit.

The legislators had planned a guided inspection for 10 am after Ssenyonyi had formally notified the contractor, Finasi-ISHU Construction SPV Limited, of their intentions. Although the contractor sought clarification from the Ministry of Health, and Minister Baryomunsi subsequently instructed them to facilitate the visit while ensuring safety protocols were followed, the MPs were met with locked gates upon arrival.

Security personnel at the site reportedly made calls but ultimately did not grant the parliamentarians entry. Ssenyonyi stated that his subsequent attempts to engage Minister Baryomunsi and State Minister for Health Dr. Charles Ayume did not resolve the access issue. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about parliamentary oversight for projects funded by public money.

This is not the first time MPs have been prevented from accessing the Lubowa site. Similar incidents occurred in February 2024, and previous attempts by parliamentary committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee, have also faced significant hurdles.

The project, a 264-bed specialized hospital, has been under scrutiny due to substantial government financial commitments, estimated to be around Shs 1.4 trillion, and persistent delays. Original completion dates have been repeatedly missed, and official progress reports have varied, raising questions about financial management and accountability. The Auditor General’s report for the financial year ending June 30, 2024, noted concerns about limited progress and difficulties in site access for oversight bodies, recommending against continued funding.

Despite these recommendations, payments have continued, with a significant portion disbursed based on milestone certificates lacking adequate support. The intended goal of the hospital is to reduce medical tourism by offering advanced services domestically, yet its prolonged delay leaves existing public facilities still under immense pressure.

https://observer.ug/news/mps-again-denied-access-to-lubowa-hospital-site