The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, has made a decisive vow to block any supplementary budget requests submitted on behalf of Roko Construction Company. This bold stance stems from the company’s refusal to grant him and his team comprising of other members of parliament access to their premises for the purpose of overseeing the allocation of public funds on October, 14, 2024.
Ssenyonyi’s stern position reflects his firm belief that public funds should not be channeled into private entities that are unwilling to adhere to accountability mechanisms. This resolve follows the recent revelation that the Ugandan government had allocated a significant sum of 263.3 billion shillings to Roko Construction Company during the financial year 2022/2023 as a bailout .
The standoff between Ssenyonyi and Roko Construction erupted when the company barred the Opposition Leader from conducting his oversight responsibilities on their premises. This obstruction of access prompted Ssenyonyi to issue a clear warning that he would impede any further financial requests brought forward on behalf of Roko Construction in Parliament.
The leader’s statement underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in the utilization of public funds, particularly when they are allocated to private entities. Ssenyonyi’s commitment to challenging Roko Construction Company’s lack of cooperation signals a broader push for enhanced scrutiny and governance within the public procurement and expenditure processes.
The developments surrounding Roko Construction Company and the Opposition Leader’s vow to hold them accountable come at a crucial juncture, emphasizing the imperative of robust oversight measures to safeguard public resources and ensure responsible financial management in Uganda’s governance landscape.
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