Ntungamo District has launched a Shs367 million infrastructure renovation project aimed at rehabilitating key public buildings at the district headquarters, with a focus on improving service delivery and enhancing local revenue collection.
The project, valued at Shs367,288,118, is being implemented by Boldina General Supplies Limited using funds from the District Discretionary Equalisation Grant (DDEG).
It targets several ageing structures, including the planning unit offices that house the district library, former prison buildings, the gate house, sanitary facilities, the foundation stone and the surrounding compound.
Speaking at the launch, the District Accounting Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, Fildeus Kizza, said the renovations were made possible by Ntungamo’s strong performance in the most recent national local government assessment, where the district ranked 28th countrywide.
Kizza said the improved ranking earned the district additional funding under the DDEG, enabling it to address long-standing infrastructure challenges.
“We are using the District Discretionary Equalisation Grant to address buildings that had become dilapidated and unfit for proper use. Previously, this funding was limited, but due to our good performance, we were rewarded with more resources,” Kizza said.
He added that the district opted to prioritise renovations of structures that could be repurposed to generate revenue and support other government programmes.
“We are renovating the planning unit, which also houses the library, as well as the former prison buildings. These structures were built before prison services were centralised and later became obsolete. Once renovated, they will be put to productive use,” he said.
Kizza noted that some of the renovated buildings would be rented out, while others would be used to accommodate district offices, reducing operational costs.
Ntungamo District Chairperson, Miriam Kagaiga, who officiated at the launch, commended the district’s technical team for prudent planning and effective use of public funds.
“We are launching a major project to renovate important district buildings. This government still has the capacity and resources to support development initiatives when funds are properly managed,” Kagaiga said.
She said the renovated former prison structures would create additional office space and commercial opportunities for the district.
“Some offices may be relocated there, while other spaces can be rented out to increase local revenue,” she said.
Kagaiga, however, cautioned the contractor to strictly adhere to contract specifications and the Bill of Quantities.
“What is provided for in the BOQ must be followed. When we commission these projects, we expect to see exactly what was agreed upon,” she said.
Following the launch, district leaders and technical staff conducted an inspection tour of the renovation sites, starting from the main gate and foundation monument at the district headquarters before proceeding to the planning unit and library, which are in a poor state due to deteriorating floors.
The team also visited sanitary facilities at the District Internal Security Officer’s office, where renovation works have already commenced, and the former prison buildings, where major rehabilitation works are ongoing.
The Head of Planning, David Byaruhanga, said the renovations are intended to modernise the district’s image and strengthen public confidence in government institutions.
“We want these buildings to reflect a modern outlook so that anyone who comes here gets the right image of the government we serve,” Byaruhanga said.
District Engineer Charles Kusemererwa said the contract with Boldina General Supplies Limited was signed on January 14, 2026.
“The contract covers the renovation of the planning unit offices and the former prison structures, at a total cost of Shs367,288,118,” Kusemererwa said.
District authorities say the renovation programme will improve working conditions for staff, enhance service delivery and create sustainable revenue streams to support future development projects across Ntungamo District.
