Chinese To Build UPDF Hostels

By Yunusu AbbeyTHE defence ministry has contracted a Chinese company to construct 20 dormitories for the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers at Kakiri on Hoima Road.Under the deal worth sh2.9b, Medallion Construction Company will build 20 dormitories, each with 36 double-deck beds for the UPDF’s First Division troops at Kakiri.“The Chinese promised to finish the project within 12 months at sh2, 992,861,135. Medallion was among 10 firms that responded to the defence ministry tender, whose bids were opened on April 19,” said a source.Bidders included Spirit of Africa, sh2.885b, Mugoya Construction Company, sh2.483b, Power Profile of South Africa, sh2.810b and Roko Construction Ltd., which quoted sh4.21b.Others were Stirling/Spencon Services Joint Venture (sh3.30b), Kamco, sh2.454b, Hydro Homes, sh2.576b, China Construction & Engineering Co, sh4.633b and Technical Construction Co., which wanted to do the work at sh5.754b.A Nairobi-based company, Planning System of Kenya, submitted a proposal for building the dormitories at US$1.8m. The award of the contract has drawn strong protests. EndsFIVE top military attaches from the UK, France, the USA, South Africa and Kenya, arrived in Kasese on Tuesday on a tour of the security situation in the Rwenzori region.John Thawite writes that according to the Rwenzori Mountains Alpine Brigade Commander, Lt. Col. Dula Mawa Muhindo, the team was expected to visit former ADF camps, including Kiraro in Kitholhu sub-county, now occupied by the UPDF.The team was also to visit Kabarole and Bundibugyo yesterday.Sources told The New Vision that one of the aims of the visit was to see how the attaches’ countries could help strengthen the Mountain Brigade through training.Army spokesman Maj. Shaban Bantariza yesterday said the attaches were on a familiarisation tour.“They are defence attaches from different countries who have been visiting the Second Division on a routine programme,” he said on phone.He said after such a visit, the attaches would send reports to their countries. Ends