The construction of a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) worth Shs 8.5 billion at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in Kabale District has come to a standstill. This delay is due to a land dispute involving the hospital’s land.
The Government of Uganda, in collaboration with the International Development Agency (IDA), initiated the construction of the Shs 8.5 billion ICU at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital on September 2, 2023. The project was contracted to HASO Engineers Company Limited.
The Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Godfrey Nyakahuma, has reported that corruption within the Land Board of Kabale has resulted in the sale of part of the hospital’s land to private developers. These developers have obstructed access to the construction site of the ICU.
In response to the situation, Nyakahuma issued an ultimatum to Charles Rwanika, ordering the demolition of the structures built on hospital land by October 17, 2023. A letter from Nyakahuma to Rwanika, dated October 11, 2023, conveyed this ultimatum. Rwanika had previously signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kabale Hospital management board on September 27, 2022, agreeing to remove the encroachments on the hospital’s land, particularly those on plot 38 Johnston Road. However, he has not complied with this agreement thus far.
The delay in resolving the land dispute has had a significant impact on the construction of the ICU. Nyakahuma shared his concerns during a meeting with Kabale District leaders held on International Ombuds Day, which aimed to raise awareness about the ombudsman’s role in improving public service delivery.
Nyakahuma called upon the public not to accept subpar service delivery and emphasized their entitlement to timely and high-quality services. He also highlighted the pervasive issue of corruption in Uganda, where the country loses a substantial portion of its national budget due to corruption. Nyakahuma urged citizens to join the fight against corruption and utilize resources effectively for the benefit of the people.
Furthermore, Nyakahuma criticized the Kabale District Local Government Public Accounts Committee, questioning their effectiveness in recovering embezzled public funds.
Anatoli Byaruhanga, the Inspector General of Government Regional Officer, encouraged the public to report instances of poor service provided by public servants and any unlawful demands for extra payments for services that should be free of charge.
International Ombuds Day is celebrated every 2nd Thursday of October to raise awareness about the ombudsman’s role and responsibilities.
