Allegations of corruption in the awarding of local government contracts have taken centre stage in Amolatar district, with leaders calling for investigations into stalled and incomplete government projects worth billions of shillings.

Former Kyoga County Member of Parliament Okot Junior Bitek alleged that contracts had been systematically awarded to politicians through front companies over the past five years.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting with Major Martha Asiimwe of the Resident District Commissioners’ Secretariat in the Office of the President, Bitek called for a review of company ownership records.

He claimed that the records could reveal that several major construction companies operating in the district are allegedly linked to one politician.

Bitek urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the procurement processes and establish whether public contracts had been awarded fairly and transparently.

Major Asiimwe placed district leaders on high alert, declaring Amolatar a zero-corruption zone.

She warned that public officials involved in corruption would face arrest and urged leaders to protect public resources and ensure that government funds are used for their intended programmes.

The meeting also focused on government poverty-eradication initiatives. Asiimwe encouraged stakeholders to promote the full range of Operation Wealth Creation programmes, rather than concentrating mainly on the Parish Development Model.

The engagement came a week before the anticipated visit by the Minister of Local Government, which is expected to assess service delivery, accountability and the implementation of government programmes in the district.

Amolatar district NRM chairperson Kamilo Olwit has separately demanded explanations from district authorities over several stalled and incomplete projects.

Among the projects he highlighted was the construction of the Amolatar district headquarters, which he said remains unfinished despite an estimated expenditure of about shs2 billion.

Olwit also questioned the delayed completion of a children’s ward at Amolatar Health Centre IV and a mortuary at Amai Hospital, each reportedly valued at shs200 million.

In the education sector, he raised concerns over an incomplete laboratory at Namasale Seed Secondary School and alleged discrepancies in the construction of classrooms at Akuriluba Primary School, where seven classrooms were reportedly built instead of the eight budgeted for.

He further demanded an explanation regarding shs3.5 billion earmarked for Arwotcek Seed Secondary School under the Uganda Secondary Education Infrastructure Programme.

Olwit questioned why the project appeared to have stalled without clear information on the funds or its current status.

Major Asiimwe has also promised to follow up on an abandoned valley dam in Orymai Cell, Apalepe Ward, in Amolatar town council.

She made the commitment during a field visit on Tuesday after meeting stakeholders at Amolatar town council.

Asiimwe expressed disappointment after finding that construction had been left incomplete and the site abandoned by the contractor.

The project, launched in 2024 under the Ministry of Water and Environment, was intended to provide water for irrigation, domestic use and livestock.

Amolatar District Water Engineer Shaidi Okabo said the district had not been given the project’s Bill of Quantities.

He also complained that the Ministry of Water and Environment often implements projects in the district without adequately involving local stakeholders.

Amolatar Resident District Commissioner Francis Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo said he had been invited to the site handover but was not involved during construction.

He said he was surprised to find the project abandoned before completion.

The RDC appealed to Asiimwe to engage the Ministry of Water and Environment and ensure that the project is completed to benefit the community.

Authorities are now expected to use the forthcoming ministerial visit to scrutinise the district’s procurement processes, stalled projects and delivery of government services.