Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Accused MPs in a pair for not attending council meetings
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MBARARA CITY
Mbarara City leaders have expressed frustration over the continued absence of their Members of Parliament (MPs) from council meetings throughout the past five years.
City Speaker Bonny Tashobya Karutsya raised the concern on Friday during an extraordinary council sitting, questioning how legislators effectively represent the city’s interests in Parliament without participating in local deliberations.
“We want to put it on record that MPs do not attend our council meetings,” Tashobya said, addressing the City Intelligence Security Officer (CISO), Lt. Darius Kusasira. “When you meet them, advise them that we need their services here at the city council. Some of them have never attended any meeting despite repeated invitations. Yet they are critical in linking us to Parliament.”
Mbarara City Speaker Bonny Tashobya Karutsya
Tashobya warned that the absence of MPs has left councilors disconnected from key national developments affecting the city.
“We need updates from Parliament on national issues that directly impact us. MPs are supposed to bridge the gap between the council and central government, but they are not aware of our budgets or priorities,” he noted.
He dismissed claims that parliamentary schedules prevent attendance, arguing that Parliament sits only a few days a week.
“Whenever we raise this issue, they say they are busy in Parliament. But we know Parliament sits about three days a week. They should be able to spare time for council business,” he added.
The Speaker specifically cited the absence of the Mbarara City South MP, noting that he has not attended a single council meeting in five years.
Robert-Mwesigwa-Rukari for not attending Mbarara City Council meetings
Council Operating Without MPs
Mbarara City North Councilor Godfrey Baryomunsi suggested that council leaders travel to Kampala to engage the MPs directly. However, Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi rejected the proposal, insisting that MPs should instead return to engage their constituents.
Baryomunsi argued that closer engagement would improve service delivery.
“We are losing out as a city because we are not interacting with our MPs. We should consider meeting them in Kampala so we can align on development priorities,” he said.
But Kakyebezi described the council as operating like an “orphanage,” lacking support from its senior political leaders.
Hon. Rita Bwahika Atukwatsa, accused Mbarara City Woman MP for not attending council meetings
“As council, we are implementing projects in their constituencies, but MPs are not aware of what we are doing,” the mayor said. “When we go to lobby the central government, we are weaker without them. If we approached government jointly, our chances of success would be much higher.”
He warned that future MPs must avoid repeating the same pattern.
“As their term comes to an end, those who will be elected should turn a new page and work closely with the council. Leadership must be coordinated,” Kakyebezi said.
Mayor Robert Kakyebezi said the council is opearting like an orphanage
Missed Opportunities for Development
Kakyebezi pointed to past collaboration with former MP Michael Tusiime as an example of effective leadership, noting that joint efforts previously delivered key infrastructure projects.
He cited ongoing priorities such as the rehabilitation of Katete Bridge, construction of Nyamityobora Market, acquisition of Koranorya Market land, and development of a seed school at Kyarwabuganda—all of which require strong parliamentary follow-up.
“Such projects need consistent lobbying, which is best handled by MPs. As an individual, it is difficult to achieve the same impact,” he said.
Lt Darius Kusasira, CISO Mbarara City
Mayor Rejects Kampala Trip
Despite calls for engagement, Kakyebezi ruled out travelling to Kampala to seek out the legislators.
“What I will not do is go to Kampala looking for MPs. This is their home, and my office is open to them,” he said. “They should be coming here, even to request office space like their predecessors did.”
MPs Cite Busy Schedules
The MPs—Rita Bwahika Atukwatse, Mwine Mpaka, and Robert Rukari Mwesigwa—have reportedly attributed their absence to demanding parliamentary schedules.
However, city leaders insist that the legislators can and should allocate time to participate in local council affairs.
Torch Media Africa
