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The government has been directed to furnish critical financial documents concerning the international specialized hospital being constructed at Lubowa.
During an interaction with the Accountant General Lawrence Semakula on Thursday, March 7, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Public Accounts Committee (PAC-Central Government) issued this directive.
The Accountant General, entrusted with overseeing the disbursement of public funds, was instructed to submit all relevant documents related to the payments made, irrespective of their form or content, by the end of the day.
The request for these documents stems from concerns raised in the AG’s report regarding the construction project at Lubowa. Muwanga highlighted discrepancies in the payment process, revealing that milestone certificates, upon which payments were based, were issued without adequate oversight from the owner’s engineer, resulting in potential overpayments.
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According to committee vice chairperson Gorett Namugga, the disclosed information is crucial, especially considering the substantial funds allocated to the project, which has raised questions about its financial management and accountability.
Furthermore, the committee demanded attachments that formed the basis for the government’s commitment to payments, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in public expenditure.
Accountant General Lawrence Semakula, while acknowledging the ruling, sought to defer the discussion to a later date, citing the absence of the honours engineer responsible for providing clarification on milestone completion certificates.
However, his request for postponement was denied by lawmakers, who urged him to provide whatever documents were available promptly.
The ongoing scrutiny of the Lubowa project underscores the government’s obligation to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. As parliament continues its oversight role, the demand for detailed financial documentation reflects a commitment to upholding standards of governance and fiscal responsibility.
The construction of the international specialized hospital at Lubowa, initiated through a project works investment agreement in May 2015, has been subject to scrutiny due to concerns over its financial management and execution. Despite challenges, including force majeure events, the government remains committed to completing the project within the agreed timeline and budget.
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