Uganda government under fire over $64 million Umeme buyout gap and $120 million Entebbe hospital contract

The Ugandan government approved borrowing of up to $190.9 million to terminate the 20‑year concession of electricity distributor Umeme Limited. After an independent audit, the final payment to Umeme was $126.4 million, leaving a discrepancy of more than $64 million between the borrowing ceiling and the amount actually paid. Permanent Secretary Irene Bateebe explained that the approved ceiling was not the final payable amount and that the Auditor General’s verification determined the final figure.

Separately, President Yoweri Museveni directed the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health to fast‑track a Shs444 billion ($120 million) refurbishment deal for Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital with Globespan Infrastructure Limited and SMS Construction Limited. Globespan, incorporated only in late 2024, has no documented experience building hospitals, prompting concerns about due‑diligence, transparency and procurement practices. The hospital serves VIPs and the central‑southern region, and officials have reported no contact with the firm.

Both episodes have raised questions about the government’s financial management, audit processes and procurement oversight.