ROKO has postponed House Chambers completion six times – Auditor General

Construction firm ROKO Construction Limited has postponed the completion of Uganda’s new parliamentary chambers six times, the Auditor General has revealed, highlighting persistent delays in one of the country’s most expensive public projects.

In the Auditor General’s report for the 2024/25 financial year, the project is described as significantly behind schedule, with only 49 percent of the work completed against a planned target of 69 percent. The audit further notes that the completion date has been revised multiple times, with the latest deadline now set for December 30, 2027.

The findings add to growing concern over the cost and management of the project, which has already consumed at least UGX 263 billion, according to figures raised on the floor of Parliament.

Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi questioned the continued allocation of funds to the project, citing shifting timelines and additional funding demands from the contractor. He also pointed to the ongoing burden of rental costs for Members of Parliament operating from temporary premises, including Kingdom Kampala.

In response, Speaker Anita Annet Among defended the decision not to terminate the contract, warning that such a move could lead to greater financial losses given the amount already paid to the contractor.

“The contract could not be terminated because the company had already been paid,” Among told the House.

She, however, disclosed that Parliament halted direct payments to ROKO as a safeguard against further financial exposure. Under a new arrangement agreed with the Ministry of Finance, payments are now made directly to suppliers and service providers involved in the construction process.

According to the Speaker, the move is intended to improve accountability and ensure that funds are strictly used for ongoing works, including redesign adjustments linked to past security concerns and installations such as glass fittings.

Despite these measures, the Auditor General’s report points to continued weaknesses in project execution and oversight, with delays undermining planned timelines and raising questions about value for money.

With no confirmed completion date in sight and costs continuing to rise, pressure is mounting on Parliament to tighten supervision of the project and ensure its eventual delivery.