Uganda minister halts Masaka city hall project
Minister Justine Nameere questions engineer's qualifications and ongoing work after halting Shs14 billion project.
Minister of State for Local Government Justine Nameere Nsubuga halted the Shs14 billion Masaka City headquarters construction on Tuesday. Nameere questioned the project engineer's qualifications and the use of manual excavation, noting that work continued despite a prior stoppage directive.
Minister Nameere expressed surprise that construction was ongoing after she had ordered a halt, stating, "The engineers and Town Clerk are questionable." She specifically questioned project engineer Musa Mukiibi, who stated he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Kyambogo University, graduating in December 2023.
The Minister also alleged that Mayor Florence Namayanja had persistently demanded Shs14 million, though the context of this demand remains unclear. The construction works were reportedly halted on September 2, and Masaka Town Clerk Uthuman Ssebadduka was arrested following the Minister's inspection.
Why it mattersUganda's Minister of State for Local Government has halted a Shs14 billion construction project and questioned officials, affecting local governance.