The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC-Central) faced another setback when Speaker of Parliament Anita Among directed them to suspend their planned site visit to Lubowa Specialized Hospital.
The visit had been postponed multiple times at the contractor’s request to procure personal protective gear (PPGs) for committee members. Speaking to journalists at Parliament, PAC-C Chairperson Muwanga Kivumbi revealed that Kenneth Akiiri, representing the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, had written to Parliament’s clerk, Adolf Mwesigye, requesting rescheduling. This request was endorsed by Speaker Among.
Kivumbi, also the MP for Butambala county, expressed disappointment at the contractor’s justification for lacking adequate PPGs, such as reflectors, gumboots, and helmets, which hindered the committee’s oversight duties.
The committee has faced previous obstacles in accessing the Lubowa Specialized Hospital site, including opposition MPs led by LOP Joel Ssenyonyi and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa. PAC-C is currently examining the 2022/23 Auditor General’s report, which highlighted a 286 billion shilling overpayment to Lubowa Specialized Hospital, not commensurate with completed works.
The report also criticized the Accountant General for issuing an overpayment promissory note without verifying milestone completion certificates.
Undeterred by delays, Kivumbi pledged to summon the Ministry of Health next Monday to address audit queries regarding Lubowa Specialized Hospital’s progress.
