Parliament’s Gender, Labour and Social Development Committee has raised concerns over the Equal Opportunities Commission’s relocation from its Bugolobi premises to rented offices at Kingdom Kampala, a move that reportedly costs taxpayers about Shs2.5 billion annually.
The committee is questioning why the Commission opted to rent new offices when it already owns property in Bugolobi and had previously discussed renovating the existing facility.
Lawmakers are seeking answers on whether the Bugolobi building was officially condemned and whether a structural assessment report exists to support the decision to relocate.
The committee is also examining why funds had earlier been requested to renovate the Bugolobi premises if the building was later considered unsuitable for occupation.
Committee chairperson Hon. Laura Kanushu visited the Bugolobi facility and challenged claims that the building was beyond repair, arguing that it appeared to require renovation rather than complete abandonment.
The lawmakers want to establish when the alleged condemnation report was issued, who approved the relocation and whether the decision followed the required procedures.
The inquiry will also examine the procurement process, ownership of the Bugolobi premises and whether continuing to spend billions of shillings on rent represents value for taxpayers’ money.
With the Commission already owning premises, Parliament is now demanding a clear explanation for the costly relocation and the circumstances under which the decision was made.
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