Questions Mount Over Sh99.3m Awei Health Centre Project

Alebtong, Uganda | Alebtong District authorities have launched investigations into alleged irregularities in the construction of the Outpatient Department (OPD) at Awei Health Centre III following complaints that part of the contracted works were never executed despite being reported as complete.

The allegations were raised by the Awei Sub-county LCIII Chairperson, Sam Oyena Obonyo, who accused the contractor, Engineer David Ogwok of Nabesha Company, of failing to complete several key components of the project implemented during the 2025/2026 financial year. According to Oyena, the district awarded a contract worth UGX 99,275,000 for the construction of the OPD block and associated facilities, including a terrazzo floor in the ward, a placenta pit and a medical waste disposal pit, but the additional facilities were allegedly never built.

Oyena further alleged that despite the incomplete works, the contractor submitted documentation to the district indicating that the entire project had been completed in line with the contract specifications. He called on the district leadership to investigate the matter and ensure accountability for public funds.

Alebtong District LCV Chairperson Ambrose Ongom Ongom confirmed that the district had received the complaint and had commenced a comprehensive verification of all government projects implemented during the 2025/2026 financial year. He said the current administration inherited reports showing that some contractors were awaiting payment but emphasized that no payments would be processed until inspections confirmed that all contracted works had been completed according to the agreed standards.

Ongom also revealed that the district plans to hold a public accountability session where findings from the verification exercise will be shared with residents, enabling the public to assess which projects were properly implemented and identify any that failed to meet contractual obligations. He urged residents of Awei Sub-county to remain calm, assuring them that the district was committed to safeguarding public resources and taking appropriate action against anyone found responsible for substandard or incomplete work.

Efforts by Our Reporter to obtain a response from Engineer David Ogwok were unsuccessful, as he did not answer repeated telephone calls. The allegations remain unverified, and investigations by Alebtong District authorities are ongoing.