Parliament’s National Economy Committee on Tuesday sent away officials from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority-UCAA after they failed to avail accountability for 32.29 Billion Shillings.
The loan was provided by the Export-Import Bank of China with the objective of providing adequate infrastructure and facilities at Entebbe International Airport in order to accommodate current and future traffic, upgrade facilities to modern systems, provide convenient facilities for travelers, and help increase revenue for the airport.
The project commencement date was 10th May 2016 and was expected to be completed on 9th May 2021. Documents before the National Economy Committee indicate that the completion date has since been revised twice and the contract with China Communications Construction Company is now expected to end on 5th July 2024.
Fred Bamwesigye, the Director General Fred UCAA was expected to provide detailed accountability for money so far spent on different infrastructural works.
However, the officials indicated an accomplishment of 99.5 percent of the construction of the new cargo center, 100 percent for the airside service road, 99.8 percent of the cargo center access road – South and East, 100 percent progress for street lighting, additional cold and freezer room and others.
The construction of the new passenger terminal building is assessed at 8.7 percent, strengthening and expansion of Apron 1 at 84.7 percent, and others.
However, the CAA officials did not provide further details on the amount of money spent on the accomplished work, prompting queries from Kimanya-Kabonera MP, Abed Bwanika who demanded a breakdown of funds spent on different activities.
Wilson Kajwengye, the Nyabushozi County MP said that the loan accessed by UCAA had different components and that the committee needed a detailed report on each and the money spent.
Robert Migadde, the committee vice-chairperson criticized the officials for failing to provide proper accountability for the loan utilization. He told the officials that the committee expected both financial and physical performance reports of the loan.
Miggade sent away the officials and directed that another meeting is scheduled with UCAA and other agencies under the Ministry of Transport and Works to provide detailed reports for loans given to the sector.
The other reports are expected from Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and Uganda Railway Corporation.
