Alebtong District Launches Investigation into UGX 99.2 Million Health Centre Projects Over Alleged Shoddy Work and False Completion Reports

LCC TV NEWS

Authorities in Alebtong District have initiated a formal investigation into the implementation of two government-funded Outpatient Department (OPD) construction projects, following allegations of substandard work, incomplete infrastructure, and falsified completion reports.

The investigation, led by Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) Lameck Ongom, targets projects at Awei Health Centre III and Anara Health Centre III, which were awarded to Nabesha Company during the 2025/2026 financial year at a total cost of UGX 99,275,000 .

According to ARDC Ongom, physical inspections of both health centres revealed that construction work was either incomplete or progressing poorly, with the contractor reportedly absent from project sites. The district leadership has indicated it is considering blacklisting contractors who fail to deliver quality work on government projects, warning that firms with a history of poor performance will be excluded from future contracts in Alebtong District .

Complaint Details and Alleged Missing Components

The investigations follow a formal complaint filed by Awei Sub-county LC3 Chairperson Sam Oyena Obonyo, who accused the supervising district engineer of approving substandard work and submitting misleading reports indicating project completion .

Oyena Obonyo alleged that although the contract included construction of OPD buildings, terrazzo flooring, ward pits, placenta pits, and medical waste disposal pits, several of these critical components were never constructed despite reports suggesting they had been completed .

"The contractor reportedly filed documents claiming the entire project was finished according to required specifications, yet key facilities are missing on the ground," sources familiar with the investigation told journalists .

The LC3 Chairperson described the alleged false reporting as a serious misuse of public resources and called for those responsible to be held accountable .

District Response and Planned Accountability Measures

Alebtong District Chairperson Ambrose Ongom Ongom confirmed receipt of the complaint and pledged a comprehensive review of all government projects implemented during the 2025/2026 financial year .

The district leadership has announced that inspection teams will assess every government-funded project before any outstanding payments are processed to contractors. "No payments will be made until inspections confirm all contracted works were completed according to agreed standards," Ongom stated .

Furthermore, the district plans to hold a public accountability meeting where findings from the inspections will be presented to residents, allowing the public to know which projects were properly executed and which require corrective action .

Ongom assured residents of Awei Sub-county that the district leadership is committed to ensuring value for public money and that any contractor or public officer found responsible for negligence or misconduct will face appropriate action .

Contractor Unavailable for Comment

Efforts by media outlets to obtain a comment from the contractor, Engineer Ogwok David of Nabesha Company, were unsuccessful, as he did not answer repeated telephone calls .

The allegations against the contractor come amid broader scrutiny of public infrastructure projects in Alebtong District. Recent reports indicate that the Inspectorate of Government has been investigating other companies over mismanagement of funds for health unit upgrades in the district, including a separate case involving the former District Health Officer over Shs165 million in irregular payments .