By John Kusolo
The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), has categorically refuted the claims made by Honorable Asinansi Nyakato, Member of Parliament for Hoima City, and Robert Tumusiime-Akiiki on their respective Twitter accounts.
NEC asserts that the information shared by these individuals is not only false but also malicious, aiming to mislead the public and undermine the corporation's credibility.
The Background of the Controversy
The dispute revolves around the construction of a maternity ward at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Initially, the project was designed as a 120-bed maternity ward with a budget of UGX 10 billion. NEC, which was contracted to undertake the construction, began work after receiving an initial payment of UGX 1.1 billion. However, the Ministry of Health later decided to revise the design to accommodate a 250-bed capacity, resulting in a significant increase in the project's cost to UGX 33 billion.
According to NEC, this change in the project's scope and budget necessitated a halt in construction, as the UGX 1.1 billion already paid—representing just 3% of the total revised cost—was insufficient to even complete the foundation. Consequently, NEC was instructed to stop work until further notice.
NEC's Clarification
NEC has responded strongly to the statements made by Hon. Nyakato and Robert Tumusiime, clarifying the facts surrounding the project. NEC emphasizes that the revised design and increased budget were decisions made by the Ministry of Health, not the corporation. As such, any delays or changes in the project timeline are directly tied to these modifications and the associated financial implications.
The corporation also highlighted that the UGX 1.1 billion it received was a preliminary payment meant to initiate the construction based on the original 120-bed design. With the budget now tripled to accommodate the expanded design, the funds provided are grossly inadequate to proceed with construction, particularly in laying a foundation that can support the larger facility.
NEC accuses Hon. Nyakato and Robert Tumusiime of disseminating inaccurate information, which they claim is intended to create unnecessary political tension. The corporation stressed that the UGX 1.1 billion received was only a fraction of the total funds needed and could not be expected to cover the entire construction, as insinuated by the two individuals.
Call for Responsible Leadership
In its statement, NEC urged Hon. Nyakato, as the elected representative of Hoima City, to focus her efforts on lobbying for the additional funding required to complete the maternity ward, rather than making public statements that distort the truth. NEC pointed out that constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders would be far more beneficial for her constituents than spreading misinformation.
The corporation also reiterated its commitment to transparency and its readiness to proceed with the project once the necessary funds are made available. NEC emphasized its role in national development and its track record of delivering quality infrastructure projects across Uganda, urging the public and the political class to support its efforts in fulfilling the nation's healthcare infrastructure needs.
The statement by NEC serves as a firm rebuttal to the claims made by Hon. Nyakato and Robert Tumusiime. The corporation's clarification underscores the importance of accurate information and responsible leadership, particularly in matters concerning public health infrastructure. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Ministry of Health and Parliament will respond to the need for increased funding to ensure the successful completion of the Hoima Regional Referral Hospital maternity ward.
In the meantime, NEC continues to stand by its commitment to delivering on its contractual obligations, provided that the necessary resources are made available. The corporation's response is a call for all parties involved to prioritize the welfare of the people of Hoima by working together towards the project's completion, rather than engaging in political maneuvering.
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