KALUNGU, March 13, 2025 – The Inspectorate of Government is set to launch an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of funds intended for the construction of schools in Kalungu district, as well as the district headquarters.
Reports indicate that in the financial year 2024/2025, Kalungu district received Shs 2.6 billion from the central government for the construction of new classroom blocks and renovation of facilities in 21 government-aided schools in the subcounties of Bukulula, Lwabenge, and Lukaya Town Council.
Additionally, the government released over Shs 320 million for the construction of Kalungu district headquarters, and was supposed to be completed this year.
According to a report compiled by district councillors, the entire process for the construction and renovation of schools was mismanaged from the outset, with claims that the contractors selected were incompetent and the costs were inflated.
Charles Kalyango, the District Councillor representing workers, explained that a two-classroom block at Kiti-Kasana Primary School was renovated at a cost of Shs 44 million, while a similar building at Kabungo Secondary School, of the same dimensions, was renovated at Shs 132 million.
He also noted that the cost for the renovation of a four-classroom block at Kyagambiddwa Muslim Primary School had been inflated to Shs 230 million.
Gerald Kiggundu, the District Councillor representing Lukaya Town Council, said the authorities in Kalungu district had instructed headteachers of the different schools to carry out renovations using their own small budgets, which he said was unjustified, considering separate funds had already been allocated for these activities.
“It is illegal to instruct headteachers to use their small budgets to renovate school structures when full amounts of the funds have already been allocated to these schools. Where did some of the funds for renovations and the construction of school facilities go?” Kiggundu questioned.
He appealed to the IGG to conduct a thorough investigation and take action against the corrupt district leaders who may be involved in the misuse of government funds.
During her recent visit to Kalungu district, Deputy Inspector General of Government [IGG], Anne Twinomugisha expressed her shock upon discovering the shoddy work on the structure to host the district headquarters. “How is it that the construction of the district headquarters has already reached the beam level, yet the concrete ladders are shaking?” she asked.
She criticised the Chief Administrative Officer [CAO], Rose Nalumansi, and the Acting District Engineer, James Muhangi, for failing to properly supervise the renovation and construction works.
However, the CAO explained to the IGG that she had transferred Engineer Achilles Kiwanuka after discovering the poor quality of work at the construction sites.
Twinomugisha assured that her office would investigate the matter and take appropriate action against anyone found responsible for the substandard work.
On her part, State Minister for Water, Aisha Ssekindi, who is also the Kalungu District Woman Member of Parliament, urged the district councillors to continue supervising the projects. She warned them not to accept bribes from contractors who might be responsible for the subpar work.
She further called on the leaders to maintain transparency and ensure that services were delivered effectively to the electorate.
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