In a statement released by Eng. Andrew Bamanya, the chairperson of the joint-venture board, Lagan-Dott Namanve Limited sought to set the record straight.
“We confirm that a meeting took place yesterday involving the President, Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) management, and the responsible ministers, addressing the issue of Honoraria payments. As Lagan-Dott, we have noted several inconsistencies brought to our attention,” said Bamanya.
The company’s assertion comes in response to reports suggesting that it is embroiled in a taxation dispute over its work at the Kampala Industrial Business Park. These reports, according to Bamanya, are unfounded and have been deliberately spread to tarnish the reputation of Lagan-Dott Namanve Limited.
The meeting referenced by Bamanya included high-profile attendees, such as President Yoweri Museveni, officials from the Uganda Investment Authority, and pertinent government ministers. The primary focus of the discussion was on the issue of compensation payments, a matter that has apparently caused some confusion and prompted the need for clarity.
Bamanya emphasized that Lagan-Dott Namanve Limited is committed to transparency and cooperation with the authorities.
“We understand that an investigation is underway, and we fully respect that process,” he stated.
This indicates the company’s willingness to comply with any inquiries and contribute to a resolution of the issues at hand.
Addressing another point of contention, Bamanya clarified the identity of the entity responsible for the project.
“There is no company under the name 'Dot' executing the main contract at Kampala Industrial Business Park. Instead, the work is being carried out by a registered joint venture company named Lagan-Dott Namanve Ltd.,” he clarified.
This statement aims to dispel any confusion regarding the involvement of other entities and to affirm that the project is being managed by a legitimate and registered joint venture.
The strong language used by Lagan-Dott Namanve Limited, referring to the allegations as "propaganda," suggests that the company believes there are deliberate attempts to mislead the public and stakeholders about its operations. This rhetoric emphasizes the gravity with which the company views the misinformation and its potential impact on its reputation and operations.
While refuting the claims, Lagan-Dott Namanve Limited also expressed its support for the ongoing investigations. This balanced approach—asserting innocence while respecting due process—illustrates the company’s confidence in its compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. Bamanya's remarks reflect a stance of accountability and readiness to address any genuine issues that may be uncovered.
The Kampala Industrial Business Park is a big project for Uganda, intended to boost industrial development and economic growth. Allegations of disputes and mismanagement could potentially harm the project's progress and investor confidence. Lagan-Dott Namanve Limited's prompt and forthright response aims to mitigate such risks by reassuring stakeholders of the project's integrity and the company's operational standards.
Lagan-Dott Namanve Limited has countered claims of a taxation dispute related to the Kampala Industrial Business Park project, labeling them as baseless propaganda. By providing clarity on the company's identity and operations and showing a cooperative attitude towards the ongoing investigation, Lagan-Dott seeks to maintain its credibility and ensure the continued smooth progress of this big industrial initiative. As the investigation proceeds, all eyes will be on the findings, which will either substantiate the company's stance or necessitate further action to address any discrepancies found.
