Kabale RDC in trouble for commissioning substandard multimillion water project

Kabale, (UG):- Godfrey Nyakahuma, the Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC) has come under fire after commissioning an incomplete water project under the Buramba Gravity Scheme, which has never been operational despite receiving a government allocation of UGX 127 million.

The revelation came during a three-day regional capacity-building workshop for RDCs, Deputy RDCs, Assistant RDCs, DISOs, and RISOs in the Kigezi Sub-region, held at Cepha’s Inn, Kabale.

While addressing the workshop, Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, reiterated her commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring efficient government project monitoring. “I have personally picked interest in Kabale because the staff I sent to do some key investigations here brought me half-baked information,” Babalanda stated.

As part of her visit, the Minister, accompanied by officials from the RDC Secretariat led by Maj. Martha Asiimwe, toured Rutoma I Village, Buramba Parish, to assess government projects.

During the inspection, they found that the water project commissioned by RDC Nyakahuma had never been functional.

Moreover, it was discovered that the local government had allocated UGX 127 million to a water source previously constructed by the Diocese of Kigezi, raising serious concerns about potential corruption. “This is seen as dishonest and corrupt behavior on the part of certain individuals,” the Minister remarked.

She warned that her office would not tolerate corruption among staff under the Presidency. “As the Office of the President, we are champions of a corrupt-free country. We do not work with corrupt staff. If you are caught red-handed, no one will defend you.”

Hon. Babalanda also reminded officials that, according to the presidential directive of June 9, 2013, all government projects must be commissioned by RDCs. However, she emphasized the need for close supervision to ensure value for public funds and effective service delivery.

During a visit to Buramba Health Centre III, the Minister found that, despite being operational since 2022, the facility already had visible cracks. She assured residents that those responsible for substandard work would be held accountable.

“My office will send a letter to ISO Deputy General Director Emmy Katabazi, asking him to visit the area and conduct in-depth investigations into this issue of launching subpar work. Since my RDC Kabale, Mr Godfrey Nyakahuma, told me that the matter was referred to the police for investigation, my office will also write to the DPP and obtain a briefing,” she said.

“I will not defend my RDC if he is found guilty because corruption costs the government a lot of money and prevents it from providing quality services.”

Local leaders and residents expressed their frustration, revealing that the commissioned project had never served its intended purpose.

“The contractor and the RDC commissioned empty taps while we were away, and we failed to get the essence of commissioning empty taps. So we get water from swamps,” said the LC II Chairperson and residents.

Hon Babalanda assured them that action would be taken to address the issue and ensure accountability for mismanaged government projects.