Written By | Joshua Nahamya
One of the religious leader in the area blessing the newly constructed classroom block at Katebe PS.
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Mbarara City
City authorities have commissioned a series of education and health infrastructure projects worth over Shs 234 million in a move aimed at improving service delivery.
The projects, inaugurated on April 20, include a new classroom block at Katebe Primary School and patient waiting sheds at Nyamityobora Health Centre II and Ruti Health Centre II.
The commissioning was led by City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, alongside Deputy RCC South Division Gerald Tukamuhebwa and Assistant RCC North Division Samuel Muganda.
Some of the City leaders at the launch of the completed waiting shade at Ruti Health Centre II
Focus on Education
At Katebe Primary School, a two-classroom block with an office was completed at a cost of Shs 105.3 million. While officials commended the quality of work by contractor Be Camel Uganda, they urged the school administration to prioritize maintenance and improve enrollment.
The North Division City Clerk warned that further infrastructure support would depend on increased pupil numbers and improved performance.
“You must ensure that performance improves with this new building. At the very least, next year we should see an increase in enrollment,” the clerk said.
Samuel Muganda, Assistant RCC Mbarara City North commissioning a Two Classroom block at Katebe Primary School
Muganda challenged parents and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) to take greater responsibility in supporting the school.
“Government assessment depends on enrollment and performance. We see many pupils joining in P1, but the numbers drop significantly by S4,” he noted.
He also encouraged the school to mobilize support from alumni and well-wishers to supplement government funding.
Mayor Kakyebezi emphasized the importance of education, warning parents against withdrawing children from school.
“Removing a child from school is a crime. Government introduced UPE and USE to support families. Education is an investment—it is gold,” he said.
Expectant Mothers, and patients welcome their constructed shade at Ruti Health Centre II
Boosting Health Services
In South Division, the city commissioned two patient waiting sheds—costing Shs 64.6 million at Nyamityobora Health Centre II and Shs 64.1 million at Ruti Health Centre II.
The facilities are intended to protect patients from harsh weather while awaiting treatment.
Tukamuhebwa urged residents to utilize the upgraded health services, including immunization and basic care, and called on health workers to maintain consistent service delivery.
He also reminded communities about the upcoming mosquito net distribution campaign to prevent malaria.
South Division Mayor Jomo Mugabe stressed that infrastructure must be matched with proper hygiene practices.
“Development is not just buildings. If people remain sick due to poor sanitation, then we are not progressing,” he said, citing improved hygiene during COVID-19 pandemic as a lesson.
Leaders, Parents, Teachers and locals welcoming the newly constructed classroom block by Mbarara City Council at Katebe Primary School.
Security and Staffing Concerns
Despite the progress, Deputy City Clerk Simon Ejau highlighted ongoing challenges, including insecurity and staffing gaps.
“We are exploring ways to strengthen night security, and the ministry is in the process of recruiting additional staff,” Ejau said.
Muganda revealed plans to introduce village-level security meetings to address rising cases of theft and house break-ins.
Waiting shade at Nyamityobora Health Centre II
“Insecurity is increasing. We urge residents to identify suspects. If you fear speaking openly, report anonymously and action will be taken,” he said.
The projects reflect Mbarara City’s continued investment in social services, even as leaders call for stronger community participation, improved sanitation, and enhanced security.
Torch Media Africa
