The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has issued a call to action for project management professionals to play a role in combating corruption deeply entrenched within government projects. Tayebwa highlighted the pervasive nature of corruption within projects, which often remains hidden, resulting in the loss of significant government funds.
During a recent event, Tayebwa disclosed concerning practices within project procurement, revealing tactics such as underquoting to secure contracts and subsequently inflating costs through various claims. He also shed light on the tactic of initiating projects, then leveraging legal loopholes to halt progress while continuing to claim costs without completing the work.
These revelations came to light during the 4th National Project Management Conference 2024 held at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. The conference aimed to foster collaboration among project managers and professionals to address challenges and promote project success.
Tayebwa urged project managers to align with the government in ensuring the successful implementation of projects, citing instances such as the Karuma Dam project, where intervention from government project managers prevented the commissioning of substandard work. He also expressed concerns about losses incurred in projects like the Isimba project.
In the ongoing battle against corruption, Tayebwa revealed governmental considerations to certify all project managers and enforce ethical standards. He stressed the importance of appointing project leaders who possess an understanding of community-specific challenges and opportunities.
Eng. Irene Nattabi, president of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Uganda Chapter, echoed Tayebwa’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for skilled project managers. Nattabi highlighted that expertise in fields like engineering or health does not automatically translate to effective project management.
Nattabi underscored the significance of embracing project management as a profession and enhancing skills to navigate processes and manage stakeholders effectively. Regarding corruption, she emphasized the collaboration between PMI Uganda Chapter and the government to equip project managers with necessary skills and ethical practices.
In the fight against corruption, Nattabi advocated for the employment of certified project managers who adhere to a strict code of ethics.
