The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) has taken swift action, apprehending Mubende District officials for alleged dereliction of duty leading to the misappropriation of taxpayer funds.
Among those arrested are Mr. John Bosco Ssendikaddiwa, the District Health Officer, and Mr. John Bosco Kamya, the District Engineer responsible for construction projects, along with the head of engineers. They stand accused of failing to oversee the construction of a maternity ward at Kibaliinga Health Centre III adequately.
The charges allege that their negligence resulted in substandard workmanship, with the maternity ward left incomplete, exposing patients to potential harm. Reports indicate that the roofing remains unfinished, and the ward’s beds have been left to deteriorate, posing risks to patients’ well-being.
Mothers utilizing the ward have expressed dismay over the facility’s conditions, citing discomfort due to inadequate construction and concerns about cold temperatures and mosquito infestations, especially during nighttime.
Dr. George Ndagijimaana, the facility’s administrator, acknowledged that the state of the maternity ward has discouraged many women from seeking care there, leading them to seek services elsewhere. Despite raising concerns with district authorities for over eighteen months, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
Councilor Richard Nsenga commended the arrest of the officials, noting repeated attempts to address the issue with no response from authorities. He criticized the allocation of additional funds, amounting to Shs53 million, without tangible improvements, suggesting mismanagement and corruption.
Emmanuel Bunya, SHACU media coordinator, outlined plans to charge the officials with neglect of duty and mismanagement of public funds. He emphasized the need for accountability and warned against impunity, signaling ongoing investigations into similar projects in Mubende District.
