Gulu University on the spot over delayed completion of sh30b facility

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Lawmakers have called for an investigation into Gulu University over delays in completing its Business and Development Centre.

According to documents seen by New Vision, the contract for the facility’s construction was signed on July 19, 2019, with Chinese firm Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO) at a cost of sh30 billion. The project was initially expected to be completed by July 30, 2023, but the deadline was extended by two years.

However, in his audit report for the year ending December 2024, Auditor General Edward Akol noted that a review of the engineering progress report and a physical inspection conducted on October 22, 2024, revealed poor performance on the project.

Worse still, the university incurred interest charges of sh530 million due to delays in settling contract obligations on certificates two and three for the construction. The AG described this as an undue loss to both the university and the government.

Lawmakers on the Public Accounts Committee (Central) believe the delays suggest serious irregularities.

“Thirty five percent (progress) after seven years is unacceptable, and this is the only way we can help you have that project executed to completion. Finance is going to be brought on board in its own way. But for you now, you are going to make statements with the CID. We begin investigating this contract from there,” committee vice chairperson Gorett Namugga ruled.

She issued the directive during a session with Gulu University officials led by university secretary David Obol Otori.

Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa (JEEMA), a member of the committee, described the delay as criminal negligence and outright fraud, arguing that such misconduct cannot continue unchecked.

“I did ask from the beginning to know the people who were involved in the negotiations of the contract. Because that is where the problem begins from. You are aware that we are talking about the issue of interest here, but it is not closed. Each time there is going to be delay on the payment of the certificate, interest will accrue. So, this is not the last time,” Basalirwa warned.

His comments came amid appeals from Kumi Municipality MP Silas Aogon (Independent), who urged the committee to give university officials more time to present supporting documents.

“Gulu University has been doing well. And I would think it is not good for us to parade them quickly. I am begging and pleading. I know you are my chairperson, and you have always been good. I am now a prayer warrior,” Aogon said.

“I would want to add my voice and say that maybe we first get the documents that are in Gulu. Before we take this step. Because if they can avail us the documents, probably the documents are speaking to something different. If we find that the documents are speaking to what we want to see, then we can take the step to have them summoned,” added Suzan Amero, the Amuria District Woman MP.

University responds

University secretary David Obol said they were doing their best under difficult circumstances.

He explained that at one point, the university was expected to make an advance payment to the contractor, but lacked the funds.

“Actually, the situation could have been worse,” Obol said.

“The advance payment should have been paid within a short period of time. But the contractor said ‘we will wait until when you have assembled the twenty percent’,” he added.

During the review period, the university had a revised budget of sh68.65 billion.