Musasizi gives Rubanda engineer one month to fix defects at Shebeya maternity ward

What the report says

Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has ordered Rubanda District’s engineering department to fix defects at the under-construction maternity ward at Shebeya Health Centre II within one month and to account for the project’s spending. According to Nile Post, Musasizi raised concerns during an inspection of government-funded projects in Rubanda District, saying the pace and quality of work at the health facility did not match the money reportedly released.

The inspection involved several local leaders, including Rubanda East MP Evelyn Ninsiima Kikafunda, Rubanda West MP Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, LCV Chairperson Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba and Resident District Commissioner Kyeyune Ssenyonjo. The maternity ward has remained incomplete nearly three years after construction started. Musasizi said he had helped secure Shs150 million for the project, but questioned why only Shs94 million was said to have been received and why the visible work appeared to fall far short of that amount.

District Engineer John Habimana said the project was being handled by the UPDF Engineering Brigade and was still in an early phase. Musasizi said the district must explain the full budget gap and address the defects, while also flagging concerns about workmanship and value for money. Bruce Balaba Kabaasa also criticized the design, saying a veranda included in the approved plans had not been built and that cracks were already appearing.

The leaders also reviewed other projects, including a classroom block at St John Ikumba Secondary School and road works in the district. Nile Post reported that the school block was progressing well and is intended to improve learning space once finished.