On Friday, members of Uganda’s Parliament directed tough questions at officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) regarding the sluggish progress of two significant projects, including a climate-smart development initiative valued at 15.82 billion Ugandan shillings.
The legislative inquiry, led by the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE), sought explanations from UWA representatives concerning the delayed implementation of projects highlighted in the Auditor General’s report for the financial year 2022/2023. This report faulted UWA for the delayed execution of projects totaling 26.42 billion Ugandan shillings.
During the meeting, COSASE MPs pressed UWA officials to account for the unimplemented activities under the World Bank-funded Uganda Investing in Forests and Protected Area for Climate Smart Development Project (IFPA-CD). Despite receiving 15.82 billion shillings in the project’s first year (2021/2022), UWA only expended 3.26 billion shillings, as per the Auditor General’s findings.
The unimplemented activities cited in the report encompassed various infrastructure projects crucial for wildlife conservation and management, such as the establishment and maintenance of Murram roads, game viewing tracks, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation infrastructure.
Moreover, COSASE MPs expressed concern over the delayed execution of the SIDA grant from the World Bank, aimed at safeguarding Uganda’s natural resources in protected areas. Despite a deadline of May 31, 2022, the AG’s report highlighted non-implementation of certain activities under this project agreement, valued at $2.7 million (approximately 10.6 billion Ugandan shillings).
In response to these queries, UWA’s executive director, Sam Mwandha, assured the committee that the delayed activities had since commenced, with improved procurement processes facilitating progress. Mwandha emphasized the recruitment of a project procurement officer and cited the delivery of road equipment worth 8.8 billion shillings as evidence of progress.
Richard Kapere, the SIDA Project officer, attributed the delays to cumbersome procedures mandated by the World Bank, alongside UWA’s internal procurement processes. Kapere highlighted the need for consultations with distant World Bank officials at each project stage, causing inevitable delays.
Chairing the COSASE committee, Medard Lubega Ssegona, demanded documented evidence of progress from UWA, including an implementation plan and project status documents, to be submitted promptly. Additionally, Kashari South MP Nathan Itungo requested registration numbers for equipment to ensure transparency in UWA’s operations.
