Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Trade, and Industry were taken aback during a session on Tuesday upon discovering that the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) had procured private consultancy services for the construction of its perimeter wall fence at 1.163 billion Shillings.

UWEC, situated on a 72-acre plot in Entebbe, is tasked with various mandates, including conservation education, wildlife showcasing, biodiversity management, and wildlife rescue operations.

During the defence of the Ministerial Policy Statement and Budget Estimates for the Financial Year 2024/2025, David Musingo, UWEC’s Acting Executive Director, justified the decision to hire C4D International Limited, a building and engineering firm, for the wall fence construction due to the complexity of the land on which UWEC operates.

Musingo disclosed that the consultancy for the perimeter wall fence was part of three capital development projects funded under the FY 2023/2024 budget. However, the consultancy firm is yet to finalize the Bill of Quantities (BoQs) before a contractor is sourced.

This revelation prompted questions from Committee Chairperson, Mwine Mpaka Rwamirama, who questioned why UWEC engaged a consultant without consulting the Ministry of Works and Transport, a violation of standing orders and procurement policies.

Bwamba County Member of Parliament, Richard Muhumuza Gafabusa, criticized the procurement process, suggesting that the consultancy should have been initiated at the project’s outset before funds were allocated.

Officials from UWEC’s parent Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, including Acting Permanent Secretary Kakula Khwirome and State Minister Martin Bahinduka, remained tight-lipped on the matter but appealed for understanding.

UWEC officials highlighted a funding gap of six billion Shillings, affecting various projects such as animal welfare, staff salaries, and conservation programs. They are urging Parliament to allocate an additional 46.4 billion Shillings in the FY 2024/2025 budget to complete ongoing projects and address operational needs.