MP Leo Elem Demands Forensic Probe into Missing Classroom Block at Anara Primary School

LCC TV NEW

Alebtong District, Uganda – Moroto County Member of Parliament, Leo Elem, has called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the alleged mismanagement of public funds designated for the construction of a four-classroom block at Anara Primary School in Alebtong District. The legislator’s demand comes amid growing concerns over what he terms "glaring irregularities" in the execution of the government-funded project.

Raising the matter during a thanksgiving ceremony held at Alira Primary School, MP Elem disclosed that he had already submitted a formal petition to the Alebtong Resident District Commissioner (RDC), urging the authority to probe the discrepancies surrounding the project’s implementation.

According to the legislator, the Government of Uganda released UGX 105 million for the construction of a four-classroom block. However, upon inspection, only three classrooms have been erected, sparking serious questions regarding fiscal accountability and the potential diversion of taxpayer resources.

"I am not fighting individuals, but I will continue to combat corruption wherever it exists in Alebtong District," asserted MP Elem. "Should the district authorities fail to provide a satisfactory and transparent explanation, I will ensure that the contractor responsible is held accountable for this anomaly."

The lawmaker issued a stern warning that if the district leadership does not present a credible report on the project’s status, he will escalate the matter by petitioning the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) to initiate a full-scale forensic investigation into the utilization of the allocated funds.

In response to the growing outcry, the Chairperson of the School Management Committee (SMC) at Anara Primary School, Milton Odongo, confirmed that the three classrooms that were constructed are structurally sound and of commendable quality. Nevertheless, he expressed bewilderment regarding the contractor's failure to complete the fourth classroom, which was explicitly stipulated in the original government plan.

"We were informed from the outset that the project would deliver four classrooms. What we observe on the ground today does not align with what was approved," Odongo remarked.

The LCIII Chairperson of Aloi Sub-county, Jimmy Kasule, added that local leaders had previously sought clarification from district officials but were allegedly informed that the original project documentation had mistakenly indicated four classrooms, with the approved design only providing for three. This explanation, however, remains contentious among stakeholders.

Alebtong RDC Geoffrey Okiswa confirmed receipt of the MP’s complaint and stated that he had consulted the former Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Franko Olaboro, who has since been transferred to Kalaki District. The RDC relayed that the former CAO clarified that, although the initial proposal envisioned four classrooms, the actual funds released were insufficient to complete all four units. He maintained that no public funds were misappropriated and that the budget was prudently reallocated to construct three classrooms.

RDC Okiswa identified Wanyii Construction Limited as the contractor responsible for executing the project and asserted that the company completed the works in accordance with the revised scope of the contract.

Despite these assertions, documents obtained by local leaders reportedly indicate that approximately UGX 101 million was expended on the construction of the three classrooms, leaving a significant disparity against the original UGX 105 million allocation for a four-classroom block. These conflicting accounts have intensified demands for an independent audit.

As pressure mounts on district authorities to produce official project documentation and offer a detailed account of the expenditure, MP Elem insists that the public is entitled to full transparency regarding the utilization of state funds. The matter is poised to attract heightened scrutiny from civil society and oversight bodies in the coming weeks.