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Vibral roller bought by Mbarara City council using the local revenue worth 4b
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By Joshua Nahamya
Mbarara City — In a bid to address persistent complaints about poor road conditions, Mbarara City officials have purchased a new vibratory roller, completing their set of road construction equipment using locally generated revenue. The new vibratory roller is a critical addition to the city's infrastructure arsenal, which already includes a grader purchased in 2022 for Shs 5.6 billion. According to Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, the city also has a water bowser currently being shipped from the United States to help control dust during road construction — a common concern among residents.
Catherine Kamwine, Resident City Commissioner (blue dress), Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, Mayor (center), and Town Clerk Justine Barekye inspect the vibratory roller during its official handover. (Photo by Joshua Nahamya)
He added that the shipment will also include a van to support the city’s revenue enforcement team. “The bowser shipment will also include a van to support the city's revenue enforcement team,” Kakyebezi said.
The mayor emphasized that the decision to use local revenue for these tangible assets reflects the city council's commitment to delivering specialized services to its citizens.
“This is part of many things we have done, and all this equipment was bought using local revenue. This is evidence that we are properly using taxpayers' money for its intended purpose,” he said.
Kakyebezi also highlighted other local revenue-funded projects, including the construction of staff houses at Nyamityobora Primary School, classroom blocks in Katukurura–Nyakayojo, and the opening of several roads such as Butagasi–Kyarwabuganda, Rwomuyaga, and Rwobuyenje South.
Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, commissioning the purchased vibral roller to support on road meintanance within the city. (Photo: Joshua Nahamya)
Sam Rwakinanga, the principal revenue officer for Mbarara City, outlined the city’s strong financial performance. In the 2024/2025 financial year, the city collected Shs 8.4 billion in local revenue — more than double the amount collected when the city was first established. This figure surpassed the previous year’s estimate of Shs 10.14 billion. For the current financial year, the city targets Shs 12 billion in collections. Rwakinanga attributed this growth to residents’ willingness to pay taxes, coupled with improved revenue sensitization and mobilization.
“Our local revenue collection continues to grow due to the increasing number of supportive taxpayers in Mbarara City,” he stated.
To further boost revenue and curb irregularities, Rwakinanga announced the upcoming launch of an automated street parking system to improve traffic management and prevent losses to parking tenderers.
Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Catherine Kamwine commended the city leadership for their prudent use of local revenue, thanking residents for paying their taxes and applauding investments in visible, physical projects. “Other local governments buy things that don’t matter, but with this vibratory roller, we want to ensure that when constructing roads, the soil is compacted properly to prevent it from being washed away by water,” Kamwine said.
She noted that Mbarara’s proactive approach to acquiring road equipment without relying on central government funding sets a positive example for other local governments. Kamwine also confirmed that the new vibratory roller is among several items expected to arrive.
“I can’t speak on behalf of items that have not yet arrived because I am the inspector of government projects,” she added.
City faces temporary water crisis
Despite these achievements, Mbarara City residents are currently experiencing a water shortage due to disruptions related to a project connecting to River Kagera. Mayor Kakyebezi acknowledged the challenge, explaining that engineers accidentally cut a pipe during the works.
He assured residents that he had contacted the regional manager, who promised the issue would be resolved within four days. “It is very unfortunate to see that Mbarara City has no water. Let us remain patient because we want both projects,” Kakyebezi appealed.
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