Written By | Joshua Nahamya
City Clerk Justin Barekye warned that landowners who fail to develop or upgrade their properties risk enforcement action
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MBARARA CITY
Authorities in Mbarara City have launched a fresh crackdown on illegal and dilapidated structures following a successful operation to decongest streets.
The city leadership says the ongoing enforcement aims to restore urban order, enforce infrastructure standards, and position Mbarara as a modern, inclusive green city—one of the fastest-growing urban centres in southwestern Uganda.
Property Owners Put on Notice
City Clerk Justin Barekye warned that landowners who fail to develop or upgrade their properties risk enforcement action.
The city will initially engage property owners, urging them to renovate, repaint, pave frontages, and install security lighting before stricter measures are taken.
“We are calling upon people with undeveloped plots and those where containers and kiosks were removed to apply for building plans and develop their land,” Barekye said.
She added that owners of buildings in poor condition must take immediate steps to improve them, while developers of illegal structures have been given a limited window to regularise their properties.
Justin Barekye, Mbarara City Clerk warning to crackdown dilapidated buildings to ensure a clean and modern city
Develop or Sell
Barekye advised property owners unable to meet urban development standards to consider selling their plots to capable investors.
“If you cannot develop your plot, please sell it to those with the capacity,” she said. “You can relocate to the outskirts if you cannot afford to develop land in the city centre.”
However, she clarified that only structures compliant with the city’s physical development plan will be considered for approval.
“We may regularise some structures if they are not in road reserves or wetlands and if they meet planning standards. Those that do not comply will not be approved,” she added.
Demolition of Makeshift Structures
The city has also begun demolishing newly erected makeshift structures, particularly in areas where kiosks and containers were recently removed.
“Some people are quickly putting up temporary brick structures after we clear areas. These will be demolished,” Barekye warned. “Do not construct without approval.”
Sanitation and Public Safety Concerns
Authorities are also targeting bushy and undeveloped plots, citing health and security risks.
“We do not want bushy plots that harbour criminals or snakes,” Barekye said. “Landowners must keep their plots clean and free of garbage.”
Street Decongestion Success
The City Clerk hailed the recent street decongestion exercise as largely successful, noting that many former street vendors have transitioned into formal business spaces.
“Some vendors have rented shops in arcades, many of which were previously vacant,” she said. “We still have space in central and other markets like Kiyanja, Nyamityobora, Rugazi, and Biharwe.”
She warned that returning to street vending would attract penalties, including arrest, fines, and possible prosecution.
Modernisation
Hajj Abas Kazibwe, a senior citizen and councillor representing elders, said the city must embrace modern urban development.
“The face of Mbarara must change,” Kazibwe said. “Those who cannot keep up with development should consider selling their land and investing elsewhere, such as in modern farming.”
He also urged leaders to attract international investors to boost industrial growth and create jobs.
Abasi Kazibwe, Councillor representing elders demestifying where Mbarara has come from. [File: Joshua Nahamya]
Legal Action Against Illegal Developers
City Physical Planner Carol Warugaba revealed that authorities are now using a specialised court to prosecute illegal developers, particularly those who build at night or over weekends to evade enforcement.
“By Monday, you find a structure already complete,” Warugaba said. “Anyone found building without approval will be arrested, prosecuted, and the structure demolished.”
She warned that unregulated construction is contributing to the growth of informal settlements, especially on the outskirts of the city, which undermines planned infrastructure such as roads and water systems.
“The future of Mbarara depends on adherence to planning laws,” she said
Torch Media Africa
