Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Mayor Kakyebezi
Search
MBARARA CITY
Mbarara City Council has resolved to intensify enforcement of street order, protect public land, and address the persistent garbage crisis following a decisive meeting held on February 26, 2026, at City Hall.
The council session, presided over by Speaker Bonny Tashobya, focused on restoring urban order amid mounting concerns over congestion, illegal land occupation, and poor waste management in the fast-growing regional city.
The council session, presided over by Speaker Bonny Tashobya
Two-Week Ultimatum for Street Vendors
Council issued a two-week ultimatum to street vendors to vacate roads and relocate to designated markets.
“We must be clear and inform the public about the street vendors, hawkers, and merchants. We have been communicating for two weeks to enforce city order. Within two weeks, street vendors should be preparing to leave the streets,” Tashobya said.
He noted that the enforcement follows complaints from shop owners who say they are burdened by taxes while competing with untaxed street vendors.
Deputy Speaker Priscah Murongo backed the directive, saying similar enforcement measures in Kampala had restored order.
“No person shall sell goods on the roads. The roads were cleared and people are now trading harmoniously. We cannot lose that chance,” Murongo said.
Kakoba Ward Councilor Betty Tigefera urged authorities to extend enforcement to traffic management, particularly along Mbaguta Street, where double parking and congestion have become common.
“It is time to enforce street order. On Mbaguta Street, you find wholesalers occupying one side and lorries double parking on the other. People drive recklessly, fully aware that what they are doing is wrong,” Tigefera said.
Presidential Pledges and Land Protection
Mayor Robert Kakyebezi presented a report following a February 12 meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, during which several development commitments were made.
According to the mayor, the President pledged support for the construction of Nyamityobora Market, development of an industrial park, rehabilitation of Katete, Kanyeite, and Taso bridges, and the proposed international airport at Nyakisharara.
A key concern raised during the council meeting was the protection of public land at Kyarwabuganda, earmarked for an Shs 8 billion seed secondary school.
“We were almost losing Kyarwabuganda land to grabbers, but I am glad to inform you that State House has communicated and action is expected soon,” Tashobya said.
Mayor Kakyebezi expressed strong emotions over the matter. “When I reached here, I even shed tears over this land issue. This is government land. The President knows it and committed himself to being witness number one,” he said.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Jackline Kankunda also warned against attempts to derail the project.
“The land grabber has used all tactics to frustrate us, yet we have a project on that land that we cannot afford to lose,” she said.
The mayor further addressed the controversial redevelopment of Makhan Singh Market, insisting that construction would proceed despite resistance from some traders.
“Development must come. The President pledged support, and security should provide backup to ensure demolition and construction proceed,” Kakyebezi said.
Mayor Kakyebezi expressed strong emotions over the matter
Garbage Crisis at Kenkombe
The deteriorating state of the Kenkombe dumping site dominated discussions on sanitation. Deputy RCC Kankunda called for urgent intervention.
“We need an immediate solution so that we do not keep talking about Kenkombe every other day,” she said.
City Clerk Justine Barekye attributed the crisis to a lack of heavy equipment.
“The problem we have is equipment. We need strong machinery to push and manage the garbage daily. We must plan to acquire our own heavy equipment,” Barekye said.
Principal Health Officer Lydia Mutiibwa proposed exploring public-private partnerships to modernize waste management and introduce value addition at the site.
“Until we accept partnerships that can help us with value addition, the garbage issue will remain a recurring problem in Mbarara,” she warned.
New City Service Commission
During the same session, Mayor Kakyebezi announced the appointment of a new City Service Commission led by Chairperson Asiimwe Ntengye. He cautioned members against corruption, noting that malpractice had crippled the previous commission.
The mayor also highlighted upcoming infrastructure works under the Uganda Cities and Municipal Infrastructure Development (UCMID) programme, including the rehabilitation of Ntare Road, Johnson Road, and Rwizi Lane.
“I told the President that the issue of bridges had been left unattended and placed on my shoulders. He accepted to work on them,” Kakyebezi said.
The council’s resolutions signal a renewed push by city leaders to restore order, safeguard public assets, and improve service delivery as Mbarara positions itself for continued urban growth.
Torch Media Africa
