Frank Kagigyi Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, has been implicated in a scandal surrounding the award of a Ugx 484 billion contract for the construction of the Kyenjojo – Kihura – Bwisi road. According to reports, the contract was awarded to Arab Contractors without due diligence, and Tumwebaze allegedly blocked an investigation into the matter.
Tumwebaze has been serving as the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries since June 8, 2021. Prior to this, he held various cabinet positions, including Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and Minister of Information Technology and Communications.
The allegations against Tumwebaze are serious and have raised concerns about corruption and abuse of power within the government. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what consequences Tumwebaze may face.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has come under fire for awarding a lucrative contract to Arab Contractors without following proper procedures or conducting due diligence. The contract, valued at Ugx 484 billion, was allegedly awarded for private gain, sparking concerns about corruption and abuse of power.
According to high-ranking government sources, a competitive bidding process for the Kyenjojo – Kihura – Bwisi road construction project attracted nine contractors. The bids were officially opened on August 3rd, 2023. The project, funded by the Islamic Development Bank, aims to improve the region’s infrastructure.
UCA Isaant & Lanka rani emerged as the lowest bidder for the road construction project, with a total cost of Ugx 448 billion. Notably, their bid met all the necessary requirements, making them a strong contender for the contract.
UNRA, however, raised concerns that UCA Isaant & Lanka rani’s bid security was allegedly fake, despite initial clearance.
Initially, the bid security provided by UCA Isaant & Lanka rani was verified and cleared as authentic. The security was issued by Morgan Bank of Azerbaijan and corresponded by Equity Bank Uganda.
Following the earthquake, the original bank guarantee became invalid, prompting Isaant to obtain a new security from United Bank of Africa (UBA) worth Ugx 5 billion. Notably, this guarantee has been extended three times at a cost of $150,000 USD. Experts consulted by this website assert that this development does not warrant disqualification, as the bidder has fulfilled the necessary requirements.
Following the earthquake, the original bank guarantee became invalid. In response, Isaant obtained a new security from United Bank of Africa (UBA) worth Ugx 5 billion, which has since been extended three times at $150,000 USD.
Experts consulted by this website emphasize that Isaant cannot be disqualified, citing liability to the entity. “The bid was secured through the bidding process,” a UNRA source revealed to this publication, highlighting the legitimacy of Isaant’s bid.
In contrast, Arab Contractors, the company that ultimately secured the contract, submitted a bid with a significantly higher total cost of Ugx 511 billion.
Despite being named the best-evaluated bidder, Arab Contractors’ bid was marred by several red flags. Notably, their bid was Ugx 57 billion higher than the lowest bid.
Furthermore, Arab Contractors lacked several essential requirements, including:
– Notarized powers of attorney
– Key equipment such as wheel loaders
– Certified audited books of accounts
– Documents for the certified books of accounts for 2022
Highly placed sources have revealed that whistleblowers alerted several authorities about the irregularities in the bidding process. The notified entities include:
1. Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA)
2. Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA)
3. Inspectorate of Government
4. The Solicitor General
It appears that there are serious concerns about the procurement process for the Kyenjojo – Kihura – Bwisi road construction project. Despite UCA Isaant & Lanka rani submitting the lowest bid and meeting all the necessary requirements, the contract was awarded to Arab Contractors, which reportedly lacked three key requirements.
What’s even more troubling is that the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) and other state agencies allegedly ignored these facts and recommended awarding the contract to Arab Contractors. Furthermore, it’s been claimed that Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze and Benson Turamye, the Head of PPDA, have hindered the investigation into Arab Contractors and the proposal for a transparent procurement process.
These allegations raise significant questions about the integrity of the procurement process and the potential for corruption. It’s essential that these concerns are thoroughly investigated, and transparency is ensured in the procurement process to maintain public trust.
It appears that Minister Frank Tumwebaze has been accused of interfering with the investigation into Arab Contractors, despite the company’s alleged incompetence. According to Salongo Matovu, a whistleblower, Tumwebaze has been recorded threatening the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) not to investigate Arab Contractors.
Matovu expressed concern that Tumwebaze’s actions are causing distress and panic, and called on the President to intervene and ensure that officials are held accountable for their actions. Despite attempts to contact him, Minister Tumwebaze was unavailable for comment.
It’s worth noting that Arab Contractors has a significant presence in Africa, with projects in several countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. The company’s vision is to be among the top construction organizations in the Middle East and Africa within the next five years.
