Parliament Demands Audit and Access to Lubowa Hospital Project

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, has voiced significant concerns regarding the lack of transparency and access to the International Specialised Hospital of Uganda (ISHU) project in Lubowa. Despite Parliament approving Shs1.5 trillion for the hospital, legislators have reportedly been denied multiple opportunities to inspect the ongoing construction.

Hon. Ssenyonyi highlighted that even the former Minister for Health faced difficulties accessing the site, questioning the accountability of a project where key officials are excluded. He proposed a comprehensive audit, citing a previous audit by the Auditor General in 2022 that indicated a lack of full accountability for funds disbursed. The repeated failure to meet project deadlines, which have been pushed back seven times, further fueled these concerns.

In response, Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth emphasized Parliament’s crucial oversight function and directed the Auditor General to conduct a full audit of the Lubowa hospital project. The Speaker unequivocally stated that Members of Parliament must be allowed to carry out their oversight duties. He declared that if the hospital management continues to deny access, he, as the Speaker, would personally lead a delegation to the site.

Minister for Health, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, acknowledged that contractual clauses may have imposed limitations on site access, but assured the House that efforts are underway to reconsider the contract and facilitate parliamentary oversight. Government Chief Whip, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, added that the project is approximately 70 percent complete, with specialist training and equipment procurement ongoing. She also noted that project supervision has been transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister and a further update would be provided.

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