Parliament Demands Access and Audit for Lubowa Hospital Project

Members of Parliament are demanding greater transparency and access to the International Specialised Hospital of Uganda (ISHU) project in Lubowa, Wakiso district.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, expressed frustration over repeated denials of access to the construction site, despite Parliament approving Shs1.5 trillion for the project. Ssenyonyi highlighted that even the Minister of Health has faced access limitations, questioning the secrecy surrounding a project of such national importance.

“Parliament has tried to inquire into this project but we have been turned away several times,” Ssenyonyi stated, adding that the project’s deadlines have been missed multiple times, with the completion date being rescheduled seven times.

He proposed a comprehensive audit of the project, citing a 2022 audit by the Auditor General which indicated a lack of full accountability for funds received. Ssenyonyi questioned if the Auditor General has also been denied access since that report.

In response, Speaker Jacob Oboth issued a directive for the Auditor General to conduct a full audit and ensure the Leader of the Opposition and his team are allowed to monitor the project’s progress. “Accountability must be upheld,” Speaker Oboth emphasized, warning that he would personally lead a delegation to the site if access is denied.

Minister for Health, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, acknowledged that contractual clauses have restricted site access, but stated that the contract is being reviewed to facilitate parliamentary oversight. The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, reported that the project is approximately 70% complete, with specialist training and equipment procurement underway. Supervision of the project has reportedly been transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4644/audit-lubowa-hospital-project-allow-mps-visit