The Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono District Local Government, Henry Ddamba, has issued a strong warning to contractors over poor service delivery and delays in completing government-funded construction projects.
Speaking during a meeting with contractors and district technical staff at the Mukono District Headquarters, the CAO emphasized that the district will no longer tolerate unfinished projects or expired contracts without proper authorization.
The meeting, which had initially been scheduled for the previous week but was postponed due to official commitments, was convened after concerns were raised about several delayed and incomplete projects across the district.
During the meeting, Ddamba explained that before construction contracts are awarded, the district and contractors agree on key issues such as project timelines, contract sums, and the responsibilities of supervisors who monitor the progress of the works. These agreements are intended to ensure that both parties clearly understand their obligations and responsibilities.
However, the CAO noted that several contractors have not adhered to these agreements. According to him, some contracts have already expired while work on the ground remains incomplete. In other cases, construction has continued even after the contract period ended without any formal extension or renewal from the district.
He stressed that under the lump sum contract arrangement used by the district, payment is made only after the work is completed according to the agreed standards. As a result, the district cannot release funds for incomplete or substandard projects.
The CAO further revealed that he had personally visited several project sites to assess the progress of the work. During these visits, he discovered that some workers on site were not aware of the timelines for completing the projects, while others lacked information about the details of the contracts they were implementing.
Ddamba described this as a serious concern, noting that such gaps in communication and supervision often lead to delays and poor-quality work.
He also pointed out that project supervisors share part of the responsibility for the delays, saying some have not been closely monitoring the progress of works. According to him, supervisors should track the progress of projects and alert contractors when contract deadlines are approaching so that necessary action can be taken.
The CAO warned that the district will not continue awarding contracts to companies that fail to deliver quality work. He also made it clear that the district will not release funds for projects that are incomplete or below the agreed technical standards.
Supporting the CAO’s position, the District Engineer Lutwama said many of the challenges currently affecting projects in the district are a result of poor service delivery by some contractors.
Eng. Lutwama noted that although many companies compete for district contracts, some fail to demonstrate professionalism once they are awarded the work. He cited poor workmanship, the use of low-quality materials, and failure to follow proper construction procedures as common challenges affecting several projects.
To address these issues, the district engineer advised contractors to always present samples of the materials they intend to use so that the district technical team can verify their quality before construction begins.
He also encouraged contractors who anticipate delays in completing their work to formally request contract extensions instead of allowing their agreements to expire.
To improve monitoring and accountability, Eng. Lutwama further directed contractors to prepare clear work programmes outlining how each project will progress from start to completion. He also asked them to maintain visitor and supervisor logbooks at construction sites so that district leaders and technical officers can record inspection visits and track the progress of the works.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairperson of Mukono District Jorem Kabali Kimera, who represented the District Chairperson Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, appreciated contractors for the work they have done in supporting development projects in the district.
However, he called for improved service delivery and stronger cooperation between contractors and the district technical team.
Hon. Kabali emphasized that contractors should work closely with the district engineer and supervisors to ensure proper monitoring and smooth implementation of development projects.
He noted that when contractors, district leaders, and technical teams work together effectively, projects can be completed on time and deliver meaningful services to the people of Mukono District.
Hon. Kabali concluded by urging contractors to remain committed to professionalism, accountability, and quality workmanship so that development projects in the district can progress successfully and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
