Lyantonde: Minister Shocked As Classrooms Turned Into Animal Sheds & Staff Quarters, ‘Reckless’ H/tr Arrested!

By Ampaire Patience 

State Minister for Economic Planning, Hon. Beatrice Akello Okello, has visited Lyantonde District to monitor ongoing government projects and assess the utilization of public funds.

During her inspection, the minister toured several key initiatives, including the construction of Kashagama Seed Secondary School, a government investment worth Shs 3.99 billion. She revealed that the project is nearly complete, with only about 15% of the work remaining, and is expected to be finalized within the next three months.

However, Hon. Akello highlighted gaps in funding, noting that some money allocated through the Ministry of Finance had not been remitted to the district. She pledged to follow up on the matter to ensure timely resolution.

District Engineer Jonadarb Tindimwebwa confirmed that construction at Kashagama Seed School has stalled due to lack of communication from both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance.

Meanwhile, Namara Violet, the Woman Councillor for Kashagama, commended government efforts but called for stricter accountability from contractors. She said poor workmanship and delays by some firms had frustrated the community, urging government to reconsider some service providers.

Aside from the school project, Minister Akello inspected other initiatives, including the construction of Mpumudde Health Centre IV, a multi-billion-shilling water supply project meant to extend clean and safe water to the sub-counties of Kaliiro, Kashagama, and Kinuka, as well as the establishment of a maternity ward at Kaliiro Health Centre III.

On the water project, the minister expressed concern over reduced water levels, which had affected its efficiency. She revealed that the project had since been handed over to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and directed its technical team to conduct a feasibility study to ensure sustainable solutions for the community.

In a surprise on-the-spot action, Hon. Akello ordered the arrest of Kitesa Primary School head teacher, Makyete Ambrose, over alleged mismanagement of the institution. She noted with dismay that classrooms had been turned into animal rearing sheds, while others were partitioned for staff accommodation, leaving pupils in deplorable learning conditions.

The minister, however, commended some community members who had embraced government programs such as Emyooga to establish small-scale enterprises and improve household incomes.

Lyantonde District Chairperson, Fred Muhangi, applauded the Office of the President for sending a minister to evaluate progress of government programs. He noted that the district has benefited from projects in education, water, roads, irrigation, and the Parish Development Model (PDM).

On health, Muhangi decried the inadequate facilities at Lyantonde Hospital, which serves a large population. He cited the mortuary, built in the 1960s, as severely outdated and unable to accommodate more than three bodies—forcing some corpses to rot due to congestion. He emphasized the need for urgent intervention, saying the leadership will “leave no stone unturned” to ensure better living standards for Lyantonde residents and the country at large.