By Sadique Bamwita
KAJJANSI TOWN COUNCIL
The National Medical Stores (NMS) multi-billion Pharmaceutical warehouse risks collapse following heavy rainfall and subsequent floods in the area- which was originally a wetland.
The Pharmaceutical warehouse with capacity of 30,000 pallets which is seated on 10 acres plus an additional 13 acres for future expansion has been submerged by water, something that has raised a hot debate on whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted before its construction.
Due to ongoing torrential rainfall, the area has turned muddy and waterlogged. The situation in the area has raised serious concerns among residents and observers who suspect that the condition is likely to deteriorate and consequently could threaten the Shs.70 billion Pharmaceutical warehouse and possibly it’s surroundings.
Another hot debate is on how such a mega project was approved including; issuance of construction permits while the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) just watched.
It should be recalled that on November 3, 2022, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially commissioned the mega facility which serves as both a pharmaceutical warehouse and an office complex. During the commissioning ceremony, the President blamed management of National Medical Stores for deliberately choosing to construct in a wetland which was originally known for clay extraction and yam plantations.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who admitted the poor choice of the place said: “I congratulate you, but you constructed in a wetland,” Museveni expressed serious concern. When I asked the General Manager, Moses Kamabare because he was born in the rocks, he does not know how wetlands look like. He gave me a long story that this was a quarry of clay by Kajjansi tile and brickmakers.”
The President continued: “Yes, if it was a quarry for clay, that proves it was a swamp something beyond question. But you don’t have to worry a lot. We have told people who have built structures around this place to migrate out of the wetlands at their own cost after 10 years. However, I don’t know how economical it is, considering the amount of money you used to fill up this place, because this place is definitely a swamp.’
