Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Hotel Owners and managers pose for a group photo with the Mbarara City authority after the sensitisation meeting. [Photos: Joshua Nahamya]
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Mbarara City
The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Mbarara City, Catherine Hellen Kamwine, has urged hotel and bar owners to strengthen security measures ahead of the Christmas and New Year festive season, citing heightened risks associated with increased human activity.
Kamwine made the call during a one-day sensitisation workshop for hotel owners and managers, held on Thursday at Adit Mall in Booma. The meeting was organised by Mbarara City leadership to induct hospitality operators on security, compliance, and service standards during the festive period.
She noted that December and January are characterised by intense activity, driven by Christmas celebrations, New Year festivities, and the upcoming general elections. “We are entering a very sensitive season. People will be coming to celebrate, others to vote, and some simply passing through Mbarara City. We shall also host electoral observers who expect quality services. You must tighten security and keep your facilities clean if you want to benefit economically,” Kamwine said.
Catherine Hellen Kamwine, RCC Mbarara warning hotel owners and managers about insecurity in the forthcoming X-Mas festival
The RCC emphasised the importance of proper customer registration and record-keeping in hotels and lodges, warning that criminals often exploit accommodation facilities to plan and execute crimes. “Be security-conscious about the people you accommodate. If it means recording every customer, please do so. Good clients feel safe in organised facilities, while criminals will be discouraged,” she said.
Kamwine further warned against allowing overcrowding in rooms, noting that security agencies would question establishments where records do not match occupants found. She also advised hotel operators to ensure customers leave room keys at reception when stepping out, to prevent misuse.
She pledged that security agencies would intensify both motorised and foot patrols during the festive season, with support from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), to curb criminal activity. “We recently arrested pang-wielding thugs at night, and we know criminal elements are still around. If you know black spots, inform us so we act in time,” she said.
One of the hotel managers in Mbarara raising his complaint to the city authorities during the sensitisation meeting on Thursday
The RCC cautioned hotel owners against employing untrained or underpaid staff, warning that poor labour practices expose facilities to security risks. She said some crimes, including theft and chloroform attacks, are often facilitated by disgruntled or poorly supervised employees. “Cheap labour often translates into poor-quality service and insecurity. Train your staff, pay them well, and instil discipline,” Kamwine noted.
She also encouraged the installation of CCTV cameras to enhance surveillance and deter criminal behaviour, and warned against the use of unprofessional private security firms employing poorly paid guards.
On noise pollution, Kamwine said the city would take action against churches, bars, and halls that generate excessive noise at night. “We are not stopping people from praying or celebrating, but activities must be regulated. Noise pollution causes insecurity and disturbs peace,” she said.
Some of the hotel onwners and managers together with Mbarara city leadership engaged in a stakeholders meeting at Adit Mall on Thursday
Hotel owners and managers raised concerns over trailers and heavy trucks parking near their premises, saying this has caused accidents and disrupted business. They also appealed for increased night patrols, especially in dark spots and slum areas, and complained about the arrest of staff commuting from work at night.
In response, Kamwine condemned the arrest of hotel staff with valid identification cards, pledging to guide security personnel accordingly. However, she warned staff against abusing identification cards to engage in criminal activities.
Mbarara City Town Clerk, Justine Barekye, urged hotel operators to prioritise sanitation and cleanliness during the festive season. “This is a time to make money. Ensure proper garbage collection, maintain hygiene, and work with licensed service providers,” Barekye said.
Kamwine concluded by encouraging continued investment in the hospitality sector, noting that upcoming developments such as the Mbarara airport and industrial park will attract more visitors to the city, presenting new business opportunities.
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