The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the Ministry of Agriculture to present all contractors, consultants, and inspectors involved in the UGX 264 billion rice production project for accountability following serious concerns raised in the 2024 audit report.
According to the audit, the contractor lacked the capacity to execute key components of the project, including the construction of the Kitumbezi multipurpose dam and the Igogero-Naigombwa irrigation schemes in Bugweri and Bugiri districts.
Despite receiving an advance payment of UGX 15 billion, the contractor managed to mobilize only 15 out of the required 47 equipment units for the project.
Appearing before the committee, Permanent Secretary Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama pledged to submit all relevant documentation and confirmed that the involved parties will appear before PAC next week for further scrutiny.
The committee also raised concerns over compensation delays for project-affected persons. Out of 2,540 individuals with claims totaling UGX 14.1 billion, only 326 residents from nine villages have so far received payments amounting to UGX 5.5 billion.
PAC expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s explanation that verification challenges caused the delay in compensation, especially given that the project was scheduled for completion in the previous year.
By Francis Lubega
9th May 2025
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