By Spy Uganda
Kampala: According to the September 29th letter penned by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr.Diana Atwiine, the UPDF has taken over the construction works of the country’s health facilities whereas CAOs and town clerks will act as supervisors and contract managers of the army in that field.
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The Ministry of Health’s letter stems from a July 2021 presidential directive; government school and hospital projects to be handled by the UPDF Engineering Brigade starting the 2021/ 2022 financial year.
Museveni then expressed frustration with red tape and expensive bureaucratic tendencies that tend to stall key government projects and urged the UPDF unit to take over the projects immediately.
“I have noted with concern that many of the government projects in other sectors are often delayed due to lengthy procurement processes and in other cases, corruption perpetrated by some unscrupulous government Workers. I am very certain that we can avoid all these delays in implementing government construction projects by utilising the army construction brigade to undertake these works,” Museveni said.
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The above to be implemented in the health sector, Diana had to write to Chief Administrative Officers and town clerks for all districts, municipalities and town councils informing them thus;
“The purpose of this communication is to present to you the UPDF Engineering Brigade represented by the National Enterprise Corporation that will be constructing all health facilities effective financial year 2021/22. I ask you to organize for the handover of all sites for construction works to the UPDF Engineering Brigade represented by NEC to prepare for the commencement of construction works.”
Diana however reminded the town clerks and CAOs that they will still be responsible for the direct works supervision and contract management.
