Leaders concerned over delayed construction of new Lira district headquarters

1 June 2025, 4:19 pm

By Ceaser Odongo

Leaders in Lira district have raised concerns over the delayed construction of the new Lira District Headquarters, despite the government releasing significant funds for the project.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Lira, Beatrice Molly Abang, says the government allocated 1 billion shillings for the construction of the district headquarters at Ogur subcounty, but there is little to show for the funds already spent.

Abang revealed that over 90 percent of the funds have already been released, yet the project has barely progressed. She warned that if the contractor continues to delay, the district may be forced to return the unutilised funds to the central government treasury.

She said, as the president’s representative in the district, they cannot allow any contractor to frustrate the efforts of the NRM government after it has provided such a huge sum to improve development and service delivery.

Abang also noted that during several visits to the Ogur construction site, she found only a few workers present—an indication, she said, that the contractor is not committed to the project.

Meanwhile, Lira District Chairperson, RCM Okello Orik, admitted there were initial delays, citing the absence of architectural drawings and designs. However, he confirmed that the plans have now been approved.

Okello Orik reassured the public that the funds will not be returned to the treasury, stating that serious work will begin soon under theUPDF engineering brigade, which is in charge of the construction.