By Caroline Nakire
The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Mr Alex Kakooza, has conducted a field inspection of government-funded development projects in eastern and northern Uganda to assess progress and ensure quality implementation.
Accompanied by technical officials from the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Kakooza visited projects in the Teso Sub-region that are being implemented through the Ministry for Teso Affairs. The inspection forms part of OPM’s routine monitoring to ensure value for money and effective service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary began the exercise at Anyara Moru Primary School in Kalaki District before proceeding to Swagere Community Secondary School in Kaberamaido District.
At both schools, Government is constructing classroom blocks and sanitation facilities to improve the learning environment and expand access to quality education. The projects are intended to reduce classroom congestion, improve hygiene and create better conditions for teaching and learning.
Similar infrastructure projects are also under implementation at four other schools across the Teso Sub-region as part of Government’s efforts to strengthen education services and promote equitable development.
During the inspection, Mr Kakooza expressed satisfaction with the progress of the works and commended the contractor, National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), for maintaining good standards during implementation.
He urged the contractor to sustain the quality of work and ensure that the projects are completed within the agreed timelines so that learners and surrounding communities can begin benefiting from the new facilities.
Mr Kakooza emphasised that investments in education infrastructure remain critical to improving learning outcomes and supporting Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. He noted that quality school facilities provide learners with a safe and conducive environment while contributing to improved education standards.
The Permanent Secretary also interacted with technical officials and project implementers to assess the status of the works and discuss measures to ensure the successful completion of the projects. The engagement provided an opportunity to review progress, address implementation challenges and strengthen accountability.
Accompanying Mr Kakooza were the Assistant Commissioner for Programme, Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, Mr Gerald Ekinu; the Principal Assistant Secretary, Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, Ms Susan Akuma; and Senior Assistant Secretaries Mr Jonas Kibungo and Ms Pheona Bukaayi.
The technical team briefed the Permanent Secretary on the implementation status of the projects and highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with approved specifications and work plans.
The Office of the Prime Minister continues to undertake regular monitoring visits to projects implemented under its various programmes to ensure efficient utilisation of public resources and timely delivery of government interventions.
The inspection exercise is expected to continue in other parts of eastern and northern Uganda as OPM strengthens oversight of development projects aimed at improving education infrastructure, enhancing service delivery and supporting sustainable socio-economic development.