Opinion: A Closer Look at Public Construction Expenses and Local Government Corruption - Wabusimba Amiri

Corruption remains a pervasive issue in Uganda, impacting various sectors, including health and public construction projects. Discrepancies in construction costs across different districts reveal patterns of potential misuse of public funds and inefficiencies, which demand urgent attention. In Mubende District, recent examples highlight discrepancies in construction costs and misuse of funds allocated for critical health initiatives such as Ebola response. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of these issues, drawing comparisons with other districts to underscore the broader implications of corruption.

In Mubende the construction of a twin staff house (each unit with two bedrooms, a sitting room, bathroom, and kitchen) at Gayaza Health Center III, Kalagala Village, Bagezza Sub-County that was recently commissioned costed of 161,500,000 Ugandan Shillings. During the project’s commissioning, Mr. Birungi Abubaker, the Deputy RDC, acknowledged the president for funding these improvements, aimed at enhancing local residents' lives.

In contrast, the construction of a similar twin staff house at Kajunju Health Center II in Bushenyi District was completed at a cost of 114.4 million Ugandan Shillings. This project, executed by M/S Muhwezi Abert Construction LTD as reported in the district's publication on April 28, 2023. The substantial difference in costs between these two similar projects in Mubende and Bushenyi raises questions about budget allocation and financial management. The construction of a twin staff house (each unit with two bedrooms and basic amenities) at Logiri Health Centre III, Logiri Sub-County was completed at a cost of 120 million Ugandan Shillings. This cost, while higher than Bushenyi’s, remains lower than Mubende’s Gayaza Health Center III and the construction of a similar facility in Awach Health Centre IV, Awach Sub-County costed 150 million Ugandan Shillings, comparable to Mubende’s Gayaza Health Center III, yet highlighting inconsistencies when viewed alongside other districts.

These projects among others underscore a pattern of potential corruption and mismanagement of public funds, necessitating urgent intervention from higher authorities. The inconsistencies in construction costs across different districts highlight the need for stringent oversight and accountability in public spending. Similar issues have been observed in other projects, such as those related to Ebola and COVID-19 funds, school construction, and road development. The cost inconsistencies across districts underscore the need for enhanced financial oversight and transparency. High-profile cases of fund mismanagement have been reported, affecting various sectors, including health, education, and infrastructure.

Recently, during the Ebola Outbreak in 2022/23, Mubende was one of the epicenters of the Ebola outbreak in Uganda. The government allocated substantial funds for Ebola response, including setting up treatment centers, providing medical supplies, and enhancing community awareness and prevention efforts. Funds intended for community sensitization and the establishment of isolation centers were diverted to personal accounts of certain district officials. Some officials in Mubende were found to have submitted inflated invoices for medical supplies and services that were either never delivered or provided at much lower costs. An investigation by the Inspectorate of Government revealed significant mismanagement and embezzlement of Ebola funds in Mubende. 

Mubende District, an NRM stronghold and the only district in Central Buganda that voted predominantly for the NRM in the 2021 elections, is particularly affected by these issues. President Museveni garnered significant support in this district, which underscores the importance of addressing these concerns to maintain public trust and ensure equitable development. These projects illustrate widespread corruption and mismanagement of public funds in Uganda. 

Uganda ranks 142 out of 180 countries on the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index 2023, indicating high levels of perceived corruption. According to a 2022 report by the Inspectorate of Government, approximately 20% of the national budget is lost to corruption annually, amounting to over 4 trillion Ugandan Shillings. Various district-level audits have revealed discrepancies in financial management. In 2023, the Auditor General’s report highlighted that up to 30% of funds in some districts including Mubende were misappropriated or unaccounted for.

The stark disparities in construction costs for similar public projects across different districts in Uganda, coupled with the misuse of critical health funds like those for Ebola, highlight the pervasive issue of corruption. To address these issues, there is an urgent need for comprehensive audits, stricter financial controls, and greater accountability in public spending. Strengthening anti-corruption agencies and enhancing transparency at all levels of government are crucial steps towards ensuring equitable development and restoring public trust.

By Wabusimba Amiri. 
Diplomatic Student, Journalist and Human right activist