Mukono District Local Government has intensified joint multi-sectoral monitoring of government-funded projects across lower local government entities, with leaders taking firm action against contractors who have failed to meet agreed timelines.
The development was revealed during a debrief meeting held at the district headquarters following a two-day monitoring exercise conducted by a team comprising officials from the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), district leadership, technical staff, and other stakeholders.
Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Muyambi Moses, commended the district for organizing the monitoring exercise, describing it as a vital step in strengthening accountability and ensuring value for public funds. However, he raised concern over delays in project implementation, warning that such setbacks risk affecting overall development in the district.
He noted that while several projects are progressing well, some contractors have failed to meet timelines, leading to serious service delivery challenges.
In particular, he highlighted cases where incomplete sanitation facilities in schools have forced learners to rely on nearby homes, creating inconvenience for both schools and surrounding communities.
As a result, the district has taken decisive action by halting some underperforming contractors, including those responsible for delayed construction of five-stance latrines at Katente Church of Uganda Primary School and Nsanja Church of Uganda Primary School.
Mr.Muyambi further emphasized the need for stricter contractor selection processes, urging leaders to prioritize competent and reliable service providers.
He also called on institutions offering land for public projects, especially religious bodies, to formalize ownership arrangements to avoid future disputes.
Mukono District Vice Chairperson, Hon. Jorem Kabali Kimera, who represented the District Chairperson, welcomed the monitoring exercise as timely and necessary.
He said the exercise provided leaders with a clear understanding of project performance on the ground, noting that government investments in education, health, water, and production sectors must deliver tangible results.
He acknowledged that while some projects have been completed successfully, others are still lagging. He, however, expressed confidence that with continued supervision and collaboration, contractors will improve and complete the work within the stipulated timelines.
The Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Ddamba Henry, revealed that the monitoring team assessed both progress and challenges across a range of projects, including classrooms, sanitation facilities, irrigation schemes, and roads.
He noted that although many contractors delivered quality work, delays remain a major concern.
CAO Ddamba warned that failure to complete projects within the financial year could lead to funds being returned to the central government, ultimately affecting service delivery.
He confirmed that some underperforming contractors have already been stopped, with plans to reallocate the work to more capable firms.
He also raised concerns over misuse of government-provided irrigation equipment and underutilization of completed facilities due to missing components, calling for responsible use and better coordination.
During the meeting, several recommendations were made to improve project implementation. These included strict adherence to project timelines and designs, proper documentation at sites, improved safety measures, and enhanced supervision. Contractors were also advised to develop clear work plans and ensure consistent presence on project sites.
Leaders further emphasized the importance of community involvement in protecting infrastructure, particularly along roads such as Nakisunga–Bugigi, where public awareness campaigns are expected to be strengthened.
The intensified joint monitoring initiative marks a significant step by Mukono District Local Government toward strengthening accountability, improving project completion rates, and enhancing service delivery. While the quality of work on many projects was found to be commendable, leaders stressed the urgent need to address delays, improve record-keeping, and enforce safety standards.
With firm action now being taken against non-performing contractors and increased collaboration between political leaders, technical teams, and communities, the district remains optimistic that ongoing projects will be completed on time and deliver meaningful benefits to the people of Mukono.
