By Obed Kankiriho
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade has come under scrutiny for delays in the construction of key health facilities in Rubanda District, despite reportedly receiving the majority of project funds.
Speaking during the Rubanda District Budget Conference for the 2026/2027 financial year held at Volcano Hotel in Rubanda Town C
ouncil, District Chairperson Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba expressed concern over the slow pace of works at Rubanda District Hospital.
Kasyaba revealed that while 86% of the project funds had been released to the UPDF Engineering Brigade, physical progress remains at only 22%.
He said district leaders have compiled a report proposing solutions to the issue, which will be presented to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during his forthcoming visit to the Kigezi Sub-region.
Kasyaba also cited similar delays at Bufundi Health Centre IV, where the UPDF Engineering Brigade is handling works worth over Shs 600 million.
Despite the setbacks, the chairperson highlighted several district achievements, including an increase in the budget from Shs 36 billion to Shs 46 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year. He credited the growth to effective planning, strong coordination between technocrats and political leaders, and support from State Minister of Finance, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Rubanda’s senior-most government official.
The district has also made progress in improving school sanitation, with 56 pit latrines constructed so far out of the targeted 110. Additionally, schools with ongoing Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) projects have received iron sheets, twin desks, and scholastic materials.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Samuel Ahabwe reaffirmed the district’s commitment to completing ongoing infrastructure projects, including the general hospital in Muko Subcounty, construction of classroom blocks, toilets, and administrative offices, and expansion of water and irrigation systems.
District Planner Wilberforce Korugyendo commended the council for ensuring equitable resource allocation across all subcounties.
Meanwhile, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Eric Ssewandigi urged civil servants to be proactive ambassadors of government programs such as Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, noting that the initiatives have already transformed livelihoods.
He announced that the Office of the President will convene a meeting of all Rubanda District civil servants on November 14, 2025, to harmonize efforts and strengthen the district’s contribution to national development.
