The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) could be dragged to court for failing to pay Shs3.2 billion in damages to five consulting firms that combined efforts to erect the Shs139 billion 22-floor head office in Nakawa Kampala.
On January 24 notice of arbitration to URA Commissioner Corporate Services, the firms’ consultants through Ms Milton & Co. Advocates claim URA breached the contract vide procurement ref No. URA/CSD/SRVCS/13-14/00002 for the provision of consultancy services for supervision of the building that Museveni opened a week ago.
The firms demanding URA the money are; J.E. Nsubuga Associates Limited, M&E Associates Limited, Kaburu Okello Consulting Engineers, Bikandema &Partners and Project Management &Engineering (Promo) Consultants Limited.
URA has been given seven days to respond to the notice from date of receipt.
“Should we not hear from you within the said time, we shall proceed to file an application for mandatory appointment of an arbitrator in accordance with section 11 (3)(b) of the Arbitration and Conciliation, Act Cap 4, Rule 13 of the Arbitration Rules, laws of Uganda. Should you consider an amicable settlement please let us know in your response,” notice reads in part.
At 22 floors, the Tower, fully funded by the government, has a maximum sitting capacity of 1,700 staff.