Buyende LC5 boss warns contractors against shoddy road works

Buyende, Uganda: Buyende District Chairperson Sharif Mangaraine has warned district technocrats and contractors against substandard workmanship, saying poor-quality infrastructure projects continue to undermine service delivery across the district.

Mangaraine issued the warning during a review meeting with the district technical planning team at the district headquarters, where he criticised the quality of several ongoing and completed road construction projects.

He singled out sections of the Nakabira–Ndalike–Bugaya Road, where he said poor workmanship had left large heaps of marram on the road, with little evidence of proper grading, compaction or bush clearing.

“Certain sections of these roads exhibit the presence of discarded marram. Compounding the issue, the roads have been constructed without proper shaping and bush clearing, resulting in minimal spreading without adequate compaction. This situation is indeed concerning and disheartening,” Mangaraine said.

The district chairperson also criticised the practice of commissioning incomplete projects before the end of the financial year to exhaust allocated funds.

“The practice of commissioning incomplete projects and depleting funds from district coffers prior to the conclusion of the fiscal period, ostensibly to utilise the money without returning it to the National Treasury, is increasingly concerning,” he said.

Mangaraine added that it would be better for the district to return unspent funds than allow public resources to be misused through incomplete or poorly executed projects.

He further observed that several swamp crossings across the district remain unattended and, in some cases, have not even received basic spot marraming despite being identified as priority areas.

The LC5 chairperson revealed that he had previously given responsible officers a two-week ultimatum to rectify the identified shortcomings, but little progress had been made.

“The two-week grace period I provided has elapsed, and no actions have been taken to address the matter, which appears to be attributable to insufficient supervision,” he said.

RDC Calls for Unity and Accountability

Buyende Resident District Commissioner Paul Kalikwani reaffirmed his office’s commitment to supporting the lawful implementation of government programmes, monitoring service delivery and strengthening coordination across the district.

“The office will continue to support lawful implementation of government programmes, monitor service delivery, and promote peace, security and coordination across the district,” Kalikwani said.

He urged the district’s political leadership, including the LC5 chairperson and Members of Parliament, to work together in the interest of residents. “When collaborating as a unified team with a focus on the interests of the community, we encounter no adverse outcomes on our part,” he said.

Kalikwani also emphasised the need to involve communities before projects commence by explaining the planned works, locations and intended beneficiaries to promote transparency and public trust.

He warned that officials and contractors found responsible for substandard work should be prepared to face disciplinary action.

“I will not engage in the drone operation, as you are aware of those orchestrating the scheme. Therefore, strive to perform at your highest capacity to avoid dismissal,” he cautioned, adding that the Ministers for Local Government were determined to take action against those implicated.

Buyende Chief Administrative Officer Geoffrey Nkurunziza echoed the call for accountability, warning that the district would take decisive action against anyone found responsible for poor-quality work.

“This time round we’re ready for action, and those implicated will be taken head-on without any compromise,” Nkurunziza said.

The meeting formed part of the district’s efforts to strengthen supervision of public infrastructure projects and improve the quality of government-funded service delivery.