500 Million UGX DRDIP Funded Ewafa Resource Center's Shoddy Construction Sparks Corruption Scandal in Obongi

Ewafa Resource Center in Obongi District, a key project funded under the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), has become a symbol of corruption, mismanagement, and inadequate oversight. Instead of serving as a beacon of hope for host communities and refugees, the center is now mired in controversy due to glaring structural defects and allegations of malpractice. 

Despite its compromised state, the building is currently being used illegally, raising questions about accountability and governance in the district.

During a recent visit, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Obongi, highlighted multiple alarming defects in the building, including:

• Cracks in the terrazzo flooring, walls, and ceilings.
• Structural instability with verandas and balconies visibly separating from the main structure.
• Evidence of poor workmanship, improper finishing, and the use of substandard materials.

“These defects are not minor. They threaten the very integrity of the building,” Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka said. “The people of Obongi deserve better than this.” Experts warn that the center could collapse if not urgently repaired, endangering its users.

^{Some of the unending lines of cracks on the Terrazo floor} 

Construction of the Ewafa Resource Center began on September 23, 2022, with funding from DRDIP. By July 6, 2023, the contractor, Obongi Prime Enterprises, declared the work complete. 

However, nearly two years later, the building has neither been officially commissioned nor formally handed over.

A directive issued by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) in December 2023 ordered the commissioning of all DRDIP-funded projects, including the resource center. Despite this, no public ceremony has been held, and the center remains in an unfit state.

^{IGG Team Together With RDC Obongi, Mr. Samuel  Durring the inspection}

Inspectorate reports from December 2023 revealed widespread cracks and structural weaknesses, prompting a stop on the building’s commissioning. However, this has not deterred district staff from using the facility, allegedly under orders from Hon. Hajj Abib Khemis Buga, the current Local Council Five (LC5) Chairman of Obongi District.

Obongi Prime Enterprises, the contractor responsible for the project, has come under fire for its handling of the construction. 

^{Some of the cracks seen on the Ceiling beam and Copy}

Investigations by Daily West Nile reveal that the company is owned by the brother of Hon. Hajj Abib Khemis Buga, who now oversees its operations following the death of its original proprietor, Mr. Acikule Ratib, in 2024. Reports suggest the company used substandard materials and cut corners during construction. 

Allegations of mismanagement and political interference have further tainted the project.

Former site foreperson Mrs. Ewaru Jerome, who worked with Obongi Prime Enterprises from September 2022 to November 2024, shared harrowing accounts of mistreatment. 

“I was hired on a monthly contract of 500,000 Ugx, but the contract remained with the company, and I was denied a copy,” she said. “To date, I am owed 1 million Ugx in arrears.” 

Mrs. Ewaru revealed that conditions worsened after Mr. Ratib’s death, with Hon. Buga allegedly stepping in to oversee the remaining works. She eventually left the project without pay.

Site engineer Mr. Ayiga Jamal, who supervised the construction in its early stages, claimed in a phone interview that he had no insight into the shoddy workmanship. “I left the company after Mr. Ratib’s death,” he said. 

Mrs. Hajara Injikuru, a cook at the construction site, also shared her ordeal, stating that she is owed 640,000 Ugx for five months of unpaid wages. Like Mrs. Ewaru, she was denied access to her employment contract.

^{In Pic with sauce Pan, Mrs. Hajara Injikuru the cook}

Despite the building's compromised state, it is currently in use by district staff. Sources confirmed to Daily West Nile that Hon. Buga ordered staff to occupy the building, defying legal requirements for official commissioning. 

This violates a presidential directive that all government-funded projects, including DRDIP initiatives, must be formally handed over before use.

Acting District Engineer Mr. Musafir Fadil, who assumed office in August 2024 following the dismissal of his predecessor for corruption, acknowledged the issues. 

“The Ewafa Resource Center was reported to be complete, but cracks and shoddy works have been noted. The contractor was contacted to address these issues and clear retention money of 20 million Ugx, but no response has been received,” he said. 

The Ewafa Resource Center is not an isolated case. Similar issues have plagued other DRDIP-funded projects in Uganda, highlighting systemic problems in project management. 

Daily West Nile’s investigations found irregularities in the bidding process for Obongi Prime Enterprises, raising suspicions of favoritism and corruption.

^{Live wires running bare on the wall and poor installations}

The high turnover of workers during construction also points to deeper problems. Many workers left due to unpaid wages, poor conditions, and lack of proper contracts

The state of the Ewafa Resource Center has sparked outrage among community members, civil society organizations, and local leaders. 

“This building cost taxpayers a lot of money, yet it’s falling apart. We need to know who is responsible and ensure they are held accountable,” a local resident demanded.

RDC Mpimbaza-Shaka has ordered an investigation into the contractor and district officials involved in supervising the project. Civil society groups are calling for reforms to ensure transparency, proper oversight, and accountability in future projects.

The Ewafa Resource Center’s current state underscores the urgent need for action. Immediate repairs are necessary to prevent potential disasters. 

Additionally, systemic reforms must be introduced to restore public trust and ensure the quality of government-funded projects.

As investigations continue, Daily West Nile will remain committed to exposing the truth and advocating for the community’s right to safe, reliable infrastructure. The people of Obongi deserve better.

Note: Efforts to reach Obongi Prime Enterprises for comment were unsuccessful, as the company’s official records and contact details were unavailable at the time of reporting.

^{Video of the RDC upon Visit of the Facility}

By Daily West Nile Investigative Team

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