NRM leaders express concern over stall govt projects in Tororo

Frustration is sweeping through the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Tororo District as several government-funded projects remain stalled, despite of huge funds disbursed.

Among the key projects under scrutiny is the construction of staff quarters at Serena Health Center II in Amagoro ‘A’, Tororo Municipality, awarded to Belton Services Ltd.

Despite the government releasing over 43 million shillings for the project, the site has been abandoned at the foundation level, raising concerns about the mismanagement of public funds.

Moses Jadwong, the area NRM leader, expressed his disbelief over the current state of the project.

"Can someone, any technocrat, come and tell us whether this foundation is worth 43 million shillings? Is this true, honestly?" he questioned, echoing the sentiments of many who are appalled by the apparent lack of progress.

The NRM leaders have reportedly attempted to seek clarification from various authorities but to no avail.

"When you go to the engineer, they tell you to go to procurement. When you go to procurement, they send you back to the engineer. It’s clear there’s some sort of connivance," stated Charles Owori, the District NRM Vice Chairperson, hinting at a potential cover-up among district officials.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner Tororo, Albert Amula, also acknowledged the absence of accountability in handling these projects.

"Even to a layperson, there is no value for money here. We are preparing to involve the anti-corruption authorities in the coming days," Amula remarked, signaling possible government intervention.

This case is not an isolated incident. Other vital stalled projects in the district, include; the construction of Mwello Seed School, Pajwenda Seed School, and the upgrade of Nawire Health Center III.

Allegations of corruption and extortion are rife, with claims that contractors are bribing officials to siphon off funds meant for the completion of these projects.

“There is a lot of extortion by technical heads. If a project is supposed to cost 43 million, the contractor only gets 30 million. That’s why we are calling for the government to take strong action,” revealed Kirum Mawele, District NRM administrator Tororo, highlighting the systemic issues plaguing the district’s development efforts.

In response, Deputy RDC Amula pointed to a lack of transparency from contractors as a significant barrier to proper oversight.

"The biggest problem is that contractors are reluctant to disclose information, fearing they won’t receive future contracts. But we cannot allow this to continue," Amula said, emphasizing the need for openness and accountability in the procurement process.

As these projects languish, NRM leaders in Tororo are warning that they will bear the brunt of voter dissatisfaction if these promises are not fulfilled.

With local elections on the horizon, the pressure is mounting on the government to address the alleged corruption and ensure the completion of these critical projects.

The leaders have called on the government to take decisive action to investigate the delays, enforce accountability, and restore public confidence in its ability to deliver on developmental promises.