New Vision Admin 
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Nebbi, Robert Abark, has issued a strong warning to engineers and contractors in the district, accusing them of mishandling government-funded construction projects and wasting taxpayers’ money.
The RDC made the remarks during an inspection visit to Pawong Primary School in Jupangira Sub-county, where a newly constructed four-classroom block had just been completed. Abark, however, declined to commission the building, citing poor workmanship and visible structural flaws.
Abark described the construction as “a shameful misuse of public funds,” revealing that the project cost the government UGX 77 million but failed to meet the most basic construction standards. “Those responsible for this work will face the law. My office will not tolerate corruption disguised as development,” he warned.
He accused the district engineering department of colluding with the contractor to deliver substandard work, saying their actions undermine government efforts to improve education infrastructure. “We can’t have engineers and contractors enriching themselves while our children study in unsafe classrooms,” Abark added.
The RDC’s outburst has reignited debate about accountability in local government projects across the West Nile region, where concerns about shoddy construction continue to grow. Several community members and local leaders have backed his call for arrests and prosecution of the culprits.
Nebbi District Chairperson Emmanuel Orombi blamed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and the engineering department for failing to enforce quality assurance. “How can a trained engineer produce such poor work? It’s a disgrace,” Orombi said, accusing technical officers of colluding with contractors for personal gain.
The LCIII Chairperson of Jupangira Sub-county, Dominic Ogenmungu, expressed deep disappointment, saying the poor construction had left learners without proper classrooms. “Our children are back to studying under trees because the new block is unsafe. The contractor must fix it,” he insisted.
When contacted, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) Mugaga Muluta admitted the RDC’s criticism was justified and pledged that disciplinary measures would be taken. “We’ll ensure every future project meets the set standards. Engineers must deliver quality or face sanctions,” he said.
The Deputy Headteacher of Pawong Primary School, Charles Nikuma, said the school had over 825 pupils, most of whom now attend classes outdoors due to safety concerns. “We feel abandoned by both the contractor and district officials. This project has failed the community,” he said.
The RDC’s firm stance comes as government watchdogs call for stronger monitoring of public construction projects in Uganda. His directive could set a precedent for tighter oversight and harsher punishment for contractors who deliver poor-quality work using public funds.
