Residents of Hamukungu in Katwe Sub-county, Kasese District, have raised concerns over the implementation of a Shs95 million local government-funded kitchen project at Hamukungu Parents Secondary School, alleging irregularities in the use of public funds.
The residents claim the quality and scope of work completed do not reflect the amount reportedly spent on the project.
They have also questioned the approval process, alleging that construction started without approved building plans and with Bills of Quantities (BOQs) they describe as unrealistic.
The project, which started about two months ago, was designed to deliver a two-unit kitchen, a roof drainage system for the kitchen and hostel blocks, and an energy-saving institutional cookstove.
According to the BOQs, the estimated construction cost before taxes was about Shs71.5 million.
However, residents say the completed structure on the ground does not match the value attached to the project.
Isaya Kanan, a resident of Hamukungu, questioned the cost of the work, saying the structure does not justify the amount of money reportedly spent.
“When you look at this structure and compare it with the Shs95 million that was announced, the two do not match. We want a proper explanation of how this money has been used,” Kanan said.
Another resident, Denis Tumuramye, called for an independent investigation into the project, saying poor implementation of government-funded projects undermines public trust.
“Government sends money to help communities, but if projects are implemented like this, taxpayers lose confidence. We need accountability,” Tumuramye said.
The Head Teacher of Hamukungu Parents Secondary School said the administration expected a project monitoring committee to be established after the official launch, but this was never done.
He said although construction had progressed, the value of the completed work appeared inconsistent with the amount publicly announced.
“We expected a monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of this project, but none was established. What has been constructed does not appear to correspond with the funds that were allocated,” he said.
Kasese Assistant District Engineer David Rujumba confirmed that the district received Shs95 million for the project, explaining that Shs10 million was allocated for architectural design while Shs85 million was meant for construction.
“The district received Shs95 million. Out of this, Shs10 million was for the design, while Shs85 million was meant for construction,” Rujumba said.
He explained that the initial design placed all facilities within one structure, but adjustments were made after construction began.
“After construction started, it was realised that the kitchen and the store would be too small if kept together. A decision was therefore made to construct the store separately,” he added.
Following the concerns raised by residents, Kasese Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Lt Joe Walusimbi directed the Chief Administrative Officer to constitute a technical team to assess whether the completed work corresponds with the reported expenditure.
“I have directed the Chief Administrative Officer to establish a technical team to assess whether the value of the work on the ground justifies the reported expenditure of Shs95 million,” Walusimbi said.
He warned that action would be taken if the assessment establishes misuse of public funds.
“If the assessment finds that the value of the work does not match the amount spent, the contractor will be held accountable and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he added.
The concerns come amid complaints over another project at the same school. Construction of staff quarters valued at Shs48 million has remained incomplete since 2023, with residents also demanding accountability over the funds allocated.
Local leaders have since called for a comprehensive audit of both projects to restore public confidence and ensure value for taxpayers’ money.
