The Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF Engineering Brigade has taken over the construction of Nalubwoyo Health Centre III in Amolatar District.
The contract was initially awarded to Otada Construction Company in 2018, which failed to complete the works. The first phase of the project includes the construction of an outpatient department, general maternity ward, placenta pit, and medical waste pit at a cost of 400m shillings.
Geoffrey Ocen, the Amolatar LCV Chairperson is optimistic that the UPDF engineering brigade will deliver the work within the stipulated time saying in case they fail, following them up would be easier than following the local contractors.
He believes that when the works are completed, will improve health services in Nalubwoyo Sub County.
According to Ocen, the other incomplete construction projects should also be handed over to the UPDF brigade for completion.
Denis Elyabu, the District Internal Security Officer warned the district leaders and community members against sabotaging the project by buying off construction materials from the site at a subsidized cost.
Engineer Gonzaga Mugumya Mukwaya from the UPDF Brigade explained that the work will be completed in six months.
Some residents are excited about the project. They hope that it will not delay like the other projects.
Last year, President Yoweri Museveni directed that all new government school and hospital projects be handled by the UPDF Engineering Brigade starting the 2021/ 2022 financial year.
In September, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwiine wrote to the accounting officers in local governments telling them to implement the UPDF Engineering Brigade directive. The UPDF Engineering Brigade was directed to take over construction works for all health facilities and schools in the country.