Ibrahim Ssemujju Sends A Message To Tayebwa; Reveals What He Found After Visiting Lubowa Site

Parliament's heated debate over the Lubowa Hospital project intensified as Ibrahim Ssemujju of Kira Municipality confronted Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa with damning findings from the site inspection.
The clash emerged during Parliament's discussion of an additional UGX53.119 billion funding request for the controversial project.
According to the June 2023 Auditor General's report referenced by Ssemujju, serious concerns arose about restricted access to engineers and inadequate project oversight.
"The government keeps taking Parliament for a ride while hiding crucial project details," Ssemujju stated in his minority report.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa had previously visited the site twice, reporting impressive progress with over 700 workers engaged. However, Ssemujju's findings contradicted these claims, pointing to potential financial losses and management issues that demand immediate attention.
The project, initially approved in March 2019 with a US$379.7 million funding agreement, has already consumed UGX476.5 billion through promissory note redemptions. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja defended the project, asserting 61.8% completion and promising delivery by April 2025.
Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng acknowledged construction progress stood at 35% as of December 2024, requesting an additional UGX1.5 billion for supervision. The absence of a consultant has left government engineers struggling with oversight responsibilities.
Opposition MPs, rallying behind Ssemujju's revelations, demanded greater transparency before approving further funding. The project's restricted access continues to raise questions about its management, despite government assurances of progress.
Ssemujju's findings prompted a call for an immediate audit, challenging Tayebwa's positive assessment. The Opposition's stance has created a significant divide between Parliament's oversight role and the government's push for additional funding, highlighting deeper concerns about project management and accountability.
The mounting tension between parliamentary oversight and project implementation has placed the Lubowa Hospital development under intense scrutiny, with both sides firmly maintaining their positions.