By KT Reporter
Officials in Katakwi District say the persistent problem of substandard construction in health projects may finally be reduced, thanks to the growing involvement of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade.
This optimism emerged during the third site meeting held on Thursday at Katakwi General Hospital, where district leaders, Ministry of Health representatives, and the UPDF reviewed progress on the 1 billion Shillings state-of-the-art surgical theatre currently under construction.
The UPDF Engineering Brigade is leading several major health infrastructure projects in the district, including the Katakwi General Hospital surgical theatre, a modern theatre at Toroma Health Centre IV worth more than 500 million Shillings, a Complex Out-Patient Department at Akurao Health Centre II estimated at 500 million Shillings, and renovation works at Ngariam Health Centre III valued at over 370 million Shillings.
During the meeting, Harriet Akwii, the Principal Assistant Secretary representing the Chief Administrative Officer, said the district is confident that far fewer construction setbacks will occur this financial year and urged the UPDF Engineering Brigade to maintain quality standards across all ongoing projects.
She emphasised the value of the review meetings in assessing progress, identifying gaps, and ensuring adherence to timelines.
Capt. Noah Opio, the UPDF Engineering Brigade’s Project Manager for the Eastern Region, revealed that the surgical theatre is 70 per cent complete. He acknowledged the advantage of involving the community, noting that local leaders and residents are welcome to attend routine site inspections.
Although he expressed concern about the compressed timeline, initially one year, now reduced to six months, he remained confident in the brigade’s capacity to deliver, with only electrical installation, plumbing, sealing, painting, and external doors remaining.
Opio added that the UPDF Engineering Brigade prioritises quality over profit, relies on a clear command structure, supervises closely, and procures materials only from verified suppliers, a reason why the army often performs better than civilian contractors.
District civil engineer Leonard Ekellot confirmed that any minor defects identified by technical teams are corrected promptly. Senior environment officer Simon Okello reminded contractors of their responsibility to address environmental and social safeguards, especially tree planting.
Vice District Chairperson Joseph Ecuman added that the superiority of the UPDF’s work is evident even to the ordinary resident. He suggested that going forward, more construction contracts should be awarded to the brigade to avoid the perennial challenges of rushed projects near the end of the financial year.
Closing the meeting, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Stephen Ilemukorit Okure lamented the widespread delays in government construction projects, blaming inadequate enforcement by the LC-V chairpersons and the CAO’s office.
He cited Getom Seed Secondary School, expected in 14 months but now lingering past 36 months, as an example of negligence affecting service delivery. Other projects, including Okulonyo, Olilim Primary School, and Okore, have also stalled, disappointing communities hoping for timely facilities.
Ilemukorit called on the CAO’s office to strengthen procurement oversight and support the audit department to identify and address substandard work early. He maintained that the UPDF’s culture of discipline and accountability offers an example for the rest of the sector.
President Museveni has repeatedly praised the UPDF Engineering Brigade for delivering quality government infrastructure at reduced cost. He has encouraged ministries, especially Health and Education, to contract the brigade to cut unnecessary expenditures, curb corruption, and ensure the timely delivery of critical projects such as hospitals, schools, military facilities, and even large-scale national projects like the Standard Gauge Railway.
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