Failed Tororo school project leads to contractor’s arrest

___________

TORORO - A contractor who was supposed to be paid a total of sh648,323,714 for the construction of Mwello Seed School, with a completion date of May 30, 2024, has been arrested after failing to deliver on the project.

Polly Natuhwera, the director of Zionat Multipurpose Limited, was apprehended by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) working jointly with the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID).

In a statement released on May 16, 2024, SHACU disclosed that Natuhwera has been charged with embezzlement of government funds and fraud. The advance amount paid to him for the construction project was reportedly misappropriated, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges.

SHACU noted that upon arrest, Natuhwera admitted to diverting part of the sh162m to other use. (Courtesy Photos)

Explaining the incident, SHACU noted that in December 2023, a contract was signed between Tororo District Local Government and Zionat Multipurpose International Limited at sh648,323,714m for the construction of Mwello Seed School with a May 30, 2024 completion date.

“The site was handed over in February and advance payment of sh162,080,929 paid to the contractor. However, he did not start work until April 19, 2024. Tororo DLG officials including the District Engineer and CAO made numerous attempts to get to the contractor without any success and also notified him of intention to terminate the contract,” SHACU statement said.

contractor who was supposed to be paid a total of sh648,323,714 for the construction of Mwello Seed School, with a completion date of May 30, 2024, has been arrested after failing to deliver on the project.

SHACU noted that upon arrest, Natuhwera admitted to diverting part of the sh162m to other use.

“Investigations have also revealed that whereas during the bidding process, the contractor provided profiles of qualified and registered engineers as project manager and site engineer, on ground he has no qualified and registered engineers doing the work,” SHACU stated.

SHACU noted that relatedly, the same contractor has an ongoing contract for the construction of Simu Seed School Phase II in Bulambuli district which is also at the foundation level, since the signing of the contract in January 2024 at a cost of sh89m.