By Spy Uganda
Parliament has approved an additional UGX53.119 billion for the controversial Lubowa Hospital project, bringing the total government investment to UGX529.588 billion. This approval followed assurances by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja that the hospital would be completed by April 2025, with medical workers already undergoing training in Italy.
The decision was met with resistance from the Opposition, led by Joel Ssenyonyi, who questioned why Parliament is repeatedly asked to allocate funds to a project it cannot supervise. “Government keeps taking Parliament for a ride. You don’t want us to inspect the site, yet you keep returning for funding. What are you hiding?” Ssenyonyi asked, highlighting Parliament’s limited access to the project site despite its financial commitments.
Nabbanja, however, urged MPs to approve the funds, emphasizing that 61.8% of the construction work is complete and all necessary equipment has already been procured. “The contractor is working day and night. Let’s give this money to ensure completion by April 2025,” she said.
In March 2019, Parliament approved a US$379.7 million funding agreement for the hospital, which is being financed through a promissory note arrangement with international lenders. To date, the government has redeemed UGX476.5 billion in promissory notes.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who visited the site twice, supported the funding, describing the progress as “very impressive” and noting that over 700 workers are engaged in the project. “The contractor assured me that structural works will be complete by April 2025,” Tayebwa said.
However, concerns persist over transparency and accountability. Ibrahim Ssemujju (Kira Municipality), in a minority report, urged Parliament to halt further funding until an audit is conducted. He cited a June 2023 Auditor General’s report that raised concerns about restricted access to engineers and inadequate oversight, warning of potential financial losses.
Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng defended the project, stating that construction progress, as of December 2024, stood at 35%. She requested an additional UGX1.5 billion to facilitate supervision in the next financial year, admitting that the absence of a consultant has placed the burden of oversight on government engineers.
The debate underscores ongoing tensions over the hospital, with Opposition MPs questioning the project’s management and demanding greater transparency before approving further funds.
