Concerns have emerged over the slow progress of construction works at Abindu Seed Secondary School in Nebbi Municipality, with officials from the Ministry of Education and local government warning that the project risks further delays.
The latest assessment report presented before Ministry of Education officials indicates that the project is 55% complete, contrary to earlier reports suggesting it had reached 60%.
With only 77 days remaining before the expiry of the contractor’s revised deadline, officials say the pace of work remains worrying.
EGIS Engineering Contractors Limited, the company handling the project, was granted a three-month extension up to October 2, 2026, after the original 10-month contract period expired on July 2.
However, following a site meeting held on Wednesday, officials expressed concern over the limited number of workers deployed at the construction site.
The Shs3.5 billion project was awarded to EGIS Engineering with a completion timeline of 10 months, but council leaders fear that failure by the contractor to complete the works within the extended period could lead to additional costs for government.
Nebbi Municipal Town Clerk Samson Natsambwa said the slow pace of construction and inadequate workforce at the site remained major concerns.
"I have always had one serious issue, which to me is a problem. People do wonderful work, but when it comes to finishing, the hurry that sometimes surrounds them ends up affecting the quality of the work delivered," Natsambwa said.
He said the project was a major investment for the municipality and urged the contractor to ensure it is completed within the agreed timeframe.
"We are grateful to government and all of you for this project, but what we require is for you to complete the works within the extended period and hand over the school to us. We want this school to become operational," he added.
The contractor has made limited progress since the expiry of the original contract on July 2, with officials warning that the approaching rainy season could further affect construction activities.
Ministry Warns Against Further Extension
Justine Odong, Project Manager for the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP), said the Ministry of Education would not approve any additional extension beyond the three months already granted.
"The contractor must complete all works within the specified time or risk losing the contract," Odong said.
He explained that the original contract commenced on September 2, 2025, and was expected to end on July 2, 2026, but delays forced the ministry to grant additional time.
"The ministry cannot afford another delay with a project that is already behind schedule," Odong added.
The delays have raised uncertainty over whether planned staff recruitment and student enrolment for the new academic year in January 2027 will proceed as scheduled.
Despite concerns from officials, EGIS Engineering Team Leader Henry Bagoole said the company was mobilising additional workers and remained committed to completing the project.
"Deployments will increase with time. We have received key materials, including iron sheets for roofing, and we are committed to completing Abindu Seed School," Bagoole said.
He defended the company's record, saying EGIS Engineering had successfully completed similar education projects in other districts.
"This is not our first project. In education, we have completed five projects in Namutumba, Namayingo, Mayuge, Bugweri and Iganga with similar scopes and requirements," he said.
Bagoole said the completed works in other areas demonstrate the company's ability to deliver projects within its mandate.
According to the latest site assessment, roofing structures, steel works and concrete works for the ring beam are more than 90% complete.
However, several activities remain significantly behind schedule, including fixing fascia boards, installation of windows and doors, plastering, metal lath ceiling framing and casting works, which are below 20% completion.
The Abindu Seed Secondary School project is part of government’s efforts to expand access to secondary education through the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project.
