Opposition Leader Joel Ssenyonyi and Shadow Cabinet Blocked from Accessing Roko Construction Premises

On Monday, October 24, 2024, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, alongside members of the Shadow Cabinet, was denied access to Roko Construction Limited. The company’s board of directors issued the directive barring their entry, according to Ssenyonyi.

Speaking to journalists, Ssenyonyi revealed that despite his prior communication with the company, he was not allowed to inspect the premises.

“The Managing Director informed us that after consulting with the Board of Directors, they politely declined to admit me and the Shadow Cabinet members to the company’s premises,” Ssenyonyi said.

The purpose of the visit was to investigate the use of over Shs263.3 billion allocated to Roko Construction, following growing concerns over non-payment of staff salaries. Ssenyonyi expressed frustration, noting that employees had gone months without pay despite the company continuing its operations.

“This company has received over Shs263.3 billion, and we understand the government is planning to request more funds on their behalf. We came to investigate what the money is being used for, especially since staff members have reported not receiving their salaries for 3-4 months, yet they are still required to work,” Ssenyonyi explained.

The LOP further highlighted the stalling of critical projects, including the construction of new parliamentary chambers. Despite informing the managing director of his intention to visit, he was met with a letter at the gate denying him and his team access.

“There are several projects, like our new parliamentary chambers, that are being neglected. However, when we arrived to perform our oversight duties, we found a letter from the Board denying MPs entry to the Roko Construction premises,” Ssenyonyi said.

During Monday’s parliamentary session, Peace Mutuuzo, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture, committed to ensuring that the government provides an official explanation for the refusal to allow Ssenyonyi and his team access to Roko Construction Limited’s premises.