(Kampala) – Roko Construction Ltd announced that work on the Ministry of Finance building is nearing completion and will soon be handed over, despite claims to the contrary. The construction company also clarified delays in the completion of the Parliament’s new bomb proof chambers, attributing them to factors outside of its control.
Roko issued a statement yesterday addressing reports of unfinished projects, which they claim were misleading. “Contrary to the report that Roko is not anywhere near completing the Ministry of Finance building, the project is substantially complete and ready to be handed over soon,” the company stated.
The delays on the Parliament building, Roko explained, stem from design changes made in response to the tragic bombings near Parliamentary Avenue on November 16, 2021. Parliament members requested that the building be redesigned with bomb resistant features, which required significant alterations to the structure, exterior, and procurement processes.
Roko outlined the impacts of these changes, which included renegotiations with suppliers, obtaining approvals from various government agencies, and modifying procurement processes. They clarified that the updated design required international sourcing for specialized materials, such as structural steel fabricated in Dubai, blast-resistant glass from Belgium, and other necessary materials from the United Kingdom and China.
In a public statement dated October 21, 2024, Roko also addressed other inaccuracies reported by NBS Television. The company rejected the claim that the Government of Uganda invested UGX 500 billion in Roko, clarifying instead that the government purchased redeemable preference shares in the company, following standard procedures.
The statement provided updates on other key projects mentioned in the NBS report:
| Project | Status |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Finance Building | Nearing handover |
| Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) | Completed, currently in Defects Liability Period |
| Inspectorate of Government | Roko is not the contractor |
| Lubowa Specialized Hospital | Roko is not the contractor |
| Parliament of Uganda Chambers | Ongoing, delays attributed to redesign requirements and external factors |
For the Parliament project specifically, Roko outlined several challenges that delayed progress, including:
- An increase in the chamber capacity from 400 to 600 seats.
- The relocation of the main water line to accommodate the expanded structure.
- Land alignment requirements by Kampala Capital City Authority.
- Impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed construction activities across multiple sectors.
- The bombresistant redesign that required extensive structural modifications.
Roko emphasized that these adjustments involve more than visible work on the site, as specialized elements must be procured internationally and claimed commitment to high quality construction remains a top priority, with the company stating, “Roko Construction Limited remains committed to transparency, integrity, and excellence.”
The company highlighted the trust placed in it by the Ugandan government and other stakeholders, pledging to deliver projects to meet expectations and uphold industry standards. Roko reassured the public that they are dedicated to ensuring all projects are completed on time, with quality and safety as guiding principles.
