Minister Orders Audit of Shs366M Katete Bridge, Cites Substandard Work

Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has initiated a forensic audit into the Shs366 million spent on the rehabilitation of Katete Bridge in Mbarara City South. The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work, suggesting it does not reflect the substantial amount of money invested.

During an inspection visit on Tuesday, Minister Barugahara stated that the rehabilitation, carried out last year by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, requires thorough scrutiny to ensure public funds were used effectively and value for money was achieved. “I have seen the bridge. The said over Shs366 million isn’t worth the work that was done. We need to have a forensic audit and know the truth,” he declared.

The minister plans to engage the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to assemble a team to investigate the project’s financial execution. “Public resources must be protected and accounted for strictly,” Barugahara emphasized, vowing to investigate how the funds were utilized.

Furthermore, Barugahara directed the Mayor of Mbarara City, Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, to pursue the former city engineer, Eng. William Byaruhanga, who oversaw the rehabilitation. “I have asked the Mayor Kakyebezi to follow up and cause an arrest of the former engineer who supervised the rehabilitation works at this bridge,” the minister stated.

These directives come amidst long-standing resident and leadership concerns about the bridge’s durability and the lack of a permanent solution. Mayor Kakyebezi mentioned previous commitments from President Museveni to fund a permanent bridge, designs for which have been completed by the Ministry of Works, but construction has yet to begin. An initial allocation of Shs5.6 billion for a permanent bridge in the 2024/2025 financial year was reallocated, with Shs500 million later provided for the current rehabilitation. Mayor Kakyebezi clarified that Shs366 million covered the bridge rehabilitation, while the remaining Shs134 million was used for purchasing culverts for city access roads.

Minister Barugahara reiterated his commitment to ensuring the bridge receives a permanent solution, stressing the importance of public funds delivering necessary infrastructure for citizens.

Source: Nile Post