UPDF joins work at Namugongo

By Nicholas Oneal and Chris Kiwawulo

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has joined Roko Construction Company at Namugongo to ensure that the construction of the new grounds at the shrines is completed on time.

Roko was supposed to hand over its works by November 21 this week, but the heavy and daily rains have slowed down progress.

To help expedite the process, 140 men from the UPDF engineering brigade have been deployed to help in the construction so that they beat the deadline.

The deputy army spokesperson, Maj. Henry Obbo, confirmed the deployment.

“We have deployed a total of 140 soldiers from the engineering brigade to help expedite the reconstruction of the shrine,” he said.

Obbo explained that it was not the first development project the army’s engineering brigade has worked on.

“Worldwide, military engineers play big roles in construction projects. It is not new for UPDF to contribute to national projects,” he said, citing the army’s recent construction of Kololo Independence Grounds.

Asked whether the soldiers would be paid some allowances for the work done, Obbo said: “In the event that our engineers are engaged in work outside their mandate, they may get facilitation to do the work, but the pay remains their monthly salary from the army.”

According to the construction administrator, Francis Muwonge, most of the works are done.

“It is only the lake where Mass will take place that is taking long due to the rains,” he explained.

“We appreciate the new reinforcement.”

The reconstruction of the Namugongo Martyrs shrine started on the July 14 and was supposed to end by November 21.