Roko Construction Limited has explained its reasons for denying Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Joel Ssenyonyi access to its premises in Kawempe on the morning of October 14, 2024. In a statement released after the incident, the construction giant emphasized that the opposition leader had been notified beforehand, in a letter dated October 10, 2024, of the company’s decision not to allow the visit.
“Roko Construction Limited was notified of the Leader of Opposition’s intent to conduct an oversight visit at our premises on Monday, 14th October 2024,” the statement said. “However, this request was respectfully declined, as stated in their letter dated 10th October, which was delivered to Parliament on the same day in both hard and soft copies.”
Roko further explained that although the Government of Uganda holds preferential shares in the company, these shares do not grant voting rights but entitle the government to receive an annual dividend. The investment, worth UGX 263 billion, is to be repaid over eight years, with Roko expected to achieve sustainability within that timeframe.
The statement highlighted that government oversight of the investment is carried out through two government representatives who sit on Roko’s board and chair the Audit Committee, ensuring proper internal controls. Roko stressed that it has not breached any terms of its preferential share agreement with the government.
Legal experts consulted on the matter clarified that Ssenyonyi, as Leader of the Opposition, does not have the mandate to oversee privately owned companies. “Even in cases where the government holds 49% of a company, it does not have direct oversight. In Roko’s case, the government’s stake consists of preferential shares, not ordinary shares, so it has no management control,” said one expert.
Despite being notified of the denial, Ssenyonyi arrived at Roko’s premises on the scheduled day, accompanied by several MPs, including Gorett Namugga (Mawogola South, NUP), Santa Okot (Aruu North, PPP), David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga (Busujju County, NUP), and Frank Kabuye (Kassanda South, NUP). However, the group was met with a closed gate. After a brief confrontation with security personnel, Ssenyonyi and his team left, disappointed at being barred from the premises.
Roko Construction was founded in 1969 and has since executed major projects like Uganda Martyrs Basilica, Mapeera House, and the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS) House. However, the firm has faced financial challenges in recent years. In July 2022, the government acquired UGX 202 billion worth of preferential shares in Roko, intending to boost the local construction industry and curb capital flight. The government’s investment was seen as a measure to protect Roko from economic distress and ensure it remains a key player in the construction sector.