Parliament approved an additional UGX53.119 billion for the controversial Lubowa Hospital project, bringing the total government investment to UGX529.588 billion. This approval came after Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja assured lawmakers that the hospital would be completed by April 2025, with medical workers already undergoing training in Italy.
The decision faced strong resistance from the Opposition, led by Joel Ssenyonyi, who questioned why Parliament continues to allocate funds to a project it cannot supervise. “Government keeps taking Parliament for a ride. You don’t want us to inspect the site, yet you keep returning for funding. What are you hiding?” Ssenyonyi asked, highlighting lawmakers’ restricted access to the project site despite their financial oversight role.
Nabbanja, however, urged MPs to approve the funds, stating that 61.8% of the construction work is complete and that all necessary equipment has been procured. “The contractor is working day and night. Let’s give this money to ensure completion by April 2025,” she said.
In March 2019, Parliament approved a US$379.7 million funding agreement for the hospital, which is being financed through a promissory note arrangement with international lenders. So far, the government has redeemed UGX476.5 billion in promissory notes.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who has visited the site twice, supported the funding, describing the progress as “very impressive” and noting that over 700 workers are engaged in the project. “The contractor assured me that structural works will be complete by April 2025,” Tayebwa said.
However, concerns over transparency and accountability persist. Ibrahim Ssemujju (Kira Municipality), in a minority report, called for a halt to further funding until an audit is conducted. He cited a June 2023 Auditor General’s report that raised concerns about restricted access to engineers and inadequate oversight, warning of potential financial losses.
Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng defended the project but admitted that, as of December 2024, construction progress stood at only 35%. She requested an additional UGX1.5 billion for project supervision in the next financial year, acknowledging that the absence of a consultant has left government engineers to handle oversight.
The debate underscores ongoing tensions over the hospital, with Opposition MPs demanding greater transparency before approving further funds.
This story was originally published by Parliament Watch.