Senior Reporter
Authorities in Kabale Municipality are currently deliberating the possibility of submitting a formal petition to relevant government bodies to contest the recent decision made by Deputy Inspector General of Government Patricia Achan Okiria.
The decision pertains to the extension of a two-month contract granted to Multiplex Construction Company Limited, the firm entrusted with upgrading three roads within Kabale municipality.
On the 2nd of August 2023, during an inspection and inquiry into the halted progress of three roads undergoing paving as part of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) initiative, Deputy IGG Achan sanctioned an additional two months for the construction company to finalize their work.
The three roads in question include a 0.76-kilometer stretch of Bwankosa Road, a 0.34-kilometer segment of Bushekwire Road, and a 2.47-kilometer connection between Kabale Diocesan Headquarters and the Katuna-Kabale-Mbarara Highway.
It’s worth noting that the 21.722 billion shilling project, which commenced in May 2021, was initially slated for completion within a year.
In a recent event held at Rushoroza Parish Cathedral grounds to launch the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) for Kabale district, Kabale Municipality Mayor Sentaro Emmanuel Byamugisha expressed his concerns.
He urged parliamentary and ministerial bodies to guide the Deputy IGG, emphasizing the potential legal implications for Kabale Municipal authorities, especially if payments to the contractor are authorized after the contract has expired.
Byamugisha revealed that they are contemplating initiating a petition to the Attorney General, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Ministry of Lands, seeking expert advice on how to proceed with this matter.
Speaking on the matter, Ndorwa East Member of Parliament and lawyer, Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, advised that the Deputy IGG should formalize her directive in writing to establish accountability for any legal ramifications.
Furthermore, he argued that the Municipal Authorities hold the prerogative to renew the contract, as they were the ones who initially awarded it, rather than the IGG’s office.
