The Inspectorate of Government has urged authorities to blacklist contractors who repeatedly delay government projects, saying poor performance is denying communities access to key public services.
The call followed inspections under the ongoing Anti-Corruption Caravan in the Bunyoro sub-region. Officials found several government-funded projects stalled or far behind schedule.
Ms Christine Lamwaka, the Inspectorate’s Manager for Advocacy and Capacity Building, said firms with a record of poor delivery should not continue winning public contracts.
“Some contractors continue to receive government contracts despite consistently failing to complete projects within the agreed timelines. There is no justification for awarding more contracts to firms that have repeatedly failed to deliver. Such contractors should be blacklisted until they demonstrate the capacity to execute public works,” Ms Lamwaka said.
She said delayed projects frustrate communities and weaken public trust in government institutions.
“These are critical projects meant to benefit ordinary citizens. When they remain incomplete for years, communities continue to suffer while government resources remain tied up in unfinished works,” she said.
Delayed Projects Inspected in Masindi
The inspected projects included Kihungya Health Centre, Kihungya Seed Secondary School and Kijunjubwa Seed Secondary School in Masindi District.
The facilities were intended to improve access to healthcare and education. However, officials said prolonged delays have affected service delivery in the area.
The Inspectorate raised particular concern over Kijunjubwa Seed Secondary School. It directed Imperio Construction Company to complete the remaining works within two weeks.
The IGG warned that investigations into accountability for the delays would begin after that period.
The school was launched in 2021 under the government’s Seed Secondary School Programme. It was expected to be completed within 18 months, but construction remains incomplete five years later.
Masindi District chairperson Patrick Owobusobozi said local leaders would closely monitor the contractor.
“It is now five years since construction began. We are giving the contractor a final opportunity because our children need to study. We shall make frequent visits to ensure the project is completed,” he said.
Corruption Complaints Raised During Caravan
The Anti-Corruption Caravan also documented complaints about corruption affecting public service delivery across Bunyoro.
ActionAid Uganda fundraising coordinator Robert Kuule said the team received complaints about extortion in public health facilities, unresolved land disputes and bribery involving police officers.
“The delay raises questions about the effectiveness of supervision by district engineers, technical officers and political leaders responsible for monitoring government projects. The biggest victims are the children who were supposed to benefit from that school,” Mr Kuule said.
He also questioned the quality of construction materials used on some public projects. He said the concerns could point to compromised construction standards.
At Kiryandongo Hospital, patients reportedly paid for services that should be free. These included access to toilets and washrooms.
Similar complaints were raised at Masindi Hospital. Expectant mothers allegedly paid money before undergoing surgical operations.
Residents also complained about shortages of essential medicines. They said patients often buy drugs from private pharmacies despite visiting government health facilities.
Land Disputes Dominate Public Complaints
Land disputes also emerged as a major concern during public barazas in Kiryandongo, Masindi, Buliisa, Kikuube and Kagadi districts.
Residents accused local authorities of delaying the resolution of land-related cases.
Mr Kuule urged the government to strengthen anti-corruption work by expanding the Inspectorate’s presence across the country.
“If the government is serious about fighting corruption at the grassroots, it must invest more in anti-corruption institutions and establish accessible reporting channels in every district. Citizens also need timely feedback after reporting cases because the government cannot fight corruption without public participation,” he said.
The Anti-Corruption Caravan seeks to promote accountability and expose corruption-related challenges affecting service delivery at the grassroots level.