Members of parliament on the Parliamentary Trade Committee have questioned the 10 billion UGX spent by the Ministry of Tourism on the rehabilitation of Omugabe Palace in Mbarara.
According to the committee headed by Mwine Mpaka, the work done is not worth the 10 billion shillings revealed by the Ministry officials but rather 3 billion shillings instead.
Buhweju County Member of Parliament, Francis Mwijukye, said that the works at the palace do not reflect culture but instead look like a modern hotel.
“There is nothing cultural about it. So it defeats the purpose of having a palace that depicts what that palace looks like,” Mwijukye said.
“When you go to Kasubi tombs, you see culture, tradition, and grass-thatched houses. The Omugabe Palace is just like any other modern hotel in Kamukuzi,” he added.
According to the committee, the only job done was the painting and construction of the perimeter wall which does not justify the Ugx 10 billion.
The Trade Committee’s chair says that Ministry of Tourism officials have been summoned to appear before the committee to discuss the matter.