Written By | Joshua Nahamya
During the inspection, the authorities identified several properties that encroached the designed road reserves caused by the slum developments going on in the city
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Mbarara City
In a significant strategic move to overhaul urban infrastructure, the Mbarara City Technical Planning Committee (TPC) convened at City Hall yesterday to review and approve engineering designs for several major road projects under the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) program.
The high-level session, chaired by City Town Clerk Justine Barekye and attended by City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, focused on the technical blueprints presented by UB Consulting Engineers LTD. The designated works include the reconstruction of Ntare Road, Kitebero-Karugangama-Butagira Road, Kitunzi Road and its links, Asuman Matovu Road, and Johnstone Road.
Mayor Kakyebezi and the rest understanding how the UCMID programme will be implimented on Mbarara City Roads.
Following the indoor deliberations, the technical team conducted a site inspection to verify the “right of way” for the proposed upgrades. During the field visit, enforcement notices were issued to property owners found to have encroached on road reserves. “We are advising all stakeholders to voluntarily remove structures that obstruct these designs before construction begins,” the City Town Clerk noted during the inspection. “Timely compliance is essential to ensuring these works proceed without administrative delays.”
Following the boardroom meeting, the Technical team conducted a field visit to verify the right way for the proposed roads
The UCMID initiative serves as a vital successor to the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program, which concluded in late 2023. This current phase represents a significant investment by the Government of Uganda and the World Bank, totaling US$ 540 million. Mbarara City stands as a key beneficiary in this expansion, joining 33 other urban centers—including newcomers like Mityana, Iganga, and Rukungiri—in a nationwide effort to modernize municipal corridors.
Town Clerk, Justin Barekye with her technical team attending the TPC Meeting on UCMID Programme on Monday
With the profiling phase now complete, city leadership is shifting its focus toward intense community mobilization. This effort is particularly crucial given the program’s “no-compensation” policy for road reserves. Mayor Kakyebezi urged residents to prioritize long-term development over individual encroachments. “Our focus now is ensuring that the lack of compensation for land doesn't become a bottleneck for progress,” the Mayor stated. “We have seen how such delays cost the public in the past, and Mbarara must lead by example to ensure these vital services are delivered on time.”
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