IG moves to fast-track completion of Kijunjubwa SS as CMD Investments Ltd fails to deliver

Masindi: The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has pledged to ensure the completion of construction works at Kijunjubwa Seed Secondary School in Kijunjubwa Sub-county, Buruli County, following concerns over prolonged delays in the implementation of the Shs3.3 billion project.

The school was launched in January 2023 under the World Bank-funded Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) Programme and was expected to be completed and handed over by July 16, 2024. However, despite the contractor reportedly receiving more than Shs1.7 billion, the project remains unfinished.

The project comprises an administration block, classroom block, staff quarters, levelling of a football pitch, and installation of rainwater harvesting tanks.

Speaking after inspecting the site, Christine Lamwaka, Manager for Advocacy and Capacity Building at the Inspectorate of Government, described the delay as unacceptable and assured residents that the IG would closely monitor the project until completion.

“This project is long overdue. Although some works such as painting and plastering are ongoing, the contractor has delayed completing the school. We have been informed that the remaining works can be completed within two weeks, but we are not fully convinced because of the limited workforce currently deployed on site,” Lamwaka said.

She noted that the contractor had committed to increasing the number of workers to expedite the remaining works. “The contractor has undertaken to deploy additional workers, and we shall continue monitoring the project to ensure learners occupy these facilities as soon as possible,” she added.

The Inspectorate’s intervention follows a June 1, 2026 directive by Masindi District authorities ordering CMD Investments Ltd to complete the delayed project within two weeks.

The directive was issued during a tense site meeting chaired by Masindi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Darius Nandinda, who expressed concern over the contractor’s slow pace of work.

“We observed that the contractor was behind schedule and therefore directed him to get subcontractors for water and electricity installations within a period of two weeks. Those subcontractors will be paid directly by the district before the money is returned to the Treasury account,” Nandinda said.

He explained that district leaders had also instructed the contractor to focus on the remaining painting and landscaping works to ensure the project is completed within the agreed timeline.

Gerald Ahumuza, the Chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), said students are still studying in dilapidated structures that have already been condemned.

“Our learners are studying in structures that have already been condemned. We need the project completed urgently to provide them with a safe and conducive learning environment,” Ahumuza said.

Jus Yahaya, the Mayor of Kijunjubwa Town Council, emphasized the importance of completing the school without further delays.

“The prompt completion of this project is critical in ensuring a conducive learning environment for students in this area,” Yahaya noted.

Meanwhile, Francis Ayena, the Site Engineer for CMD Investments Ltd, acknowledged the delays and attributed them to a late start after the contract was signed.

The project has faced several setbacks over the past two years. In August 2024, the then Masindi District Chief Administrative Officer, Tappy Namulondo, directed CMD Investments Ltd to vacate the site for failing to complete the works within the contractual period, paving the way for a possible replacement contractor.

The delays also contributed to the return of substantial government funds to the Treasury during the 2023/24 financial year. Masindi District Local Government returned Shs6.2 billion, including Shs1.6 billion earmarked for Kijunjubwa Seed Secondary School under the UgIFT programme.

Other affected projects included St. Andrea Kaahwa Secondary School (Shs946.6 million), Kinumi Seed Secondary School (Shs526.6 million), and St. Paul’s Secondary School (Shs174 million).

However, the projects at Kumi Seed Secondary School and St. Andrea Kahwa Secondary School were completed and handed over to Masindi district local government.

Speaking previously on the matter, former Masindi Chief Administrative Officer Phiona Sanyu attributed the delays to the contractor’s slow implementation.

“For the case of Kijunjubwa Seed Secondary School, we tried to engage the contractor, CMD Investments Limited, and we had a number of meetings with him, but he was too slow. For other projects, the funds are rotational,” Sanyu said.

The contract for CMD Investments Ltd expired on July 17, 2024, and although extensions have since been granted, the school remains incomplete, prompting increased scrutiny from district leaders, residents, and the Inspectorate of Government.

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