Shs 366mln renovation works begin on Mbarara City bridge

MBARARA CITY, December 9, 2024 – Renovation work on Katete Bridge in Mbarara City officially began today, almost a year after the bridge became unmotorable, hurting transportation and trade in the area.

While launching the renovation project a few days ago, Mbarara City Town Clerk Assy Abirebe Tumwesigire explained the delay, stating that the funds had not been provided by the central government until recently.

“It’s not that the money was available and we refused to repair the bridge. We only received the funds from the central government in November,” Tumwesigire said.

Uganda People’s Defence Force [UPDF] Engineering Brigade is tasked with the project. “This bridge will be renovated by the UPDF Engineering Brigade at a contract sum of Shs 366 million,” he added.

Tumwesigire urged the residents of Katete to remain patient, noting that the funds allocated are insufficient for constructing a modern bridge. “The Ministry of Works had budgeted Shs 6.9 billion for a new, modern bridge, but the government has yet to release the funds. Therefore, we are renovating the existing bridge while we wait for its permanent construction, which may take several years,” he explained.

Jomo Mugabe, Mayor of Mbarara City South Division, encouraged the locals to collaborate with the soldiers to ensure the delivery of quality work.

Vincent Tumusiime, Vice Chairman of Katete Central Cell in Katete Ward, expressed concern over the impact of the dilapidated bridge on local businesses. “As we speak, some businesses have closed because of the bridge closure. I believe that once the construction is completed, the revenue enforcement team should allow businesses to recover,” Tumusiime said.

Mary Komucunguzi, LCI Chairperson for Rwemirinzi Cell, called on the army brigade to expedite the renovation work.

Cyrus Muhirwe, a boda-boda rider in Mbarara City, urged the city council leadership to address other deteriorating bridges linking the city to surrounding areas. “Mbarara City Council cannot fail to find Shs 100 million to repair Kanyeyite Bridge, nor Shs 200 million for Karugangama Bridge. These bridges are in a terrible state, yet they are used by many people to access the city centre,” Muhirwe said.

Mbarara City Mayor, Robert Kakyebezi, appealed to road users for patience and asked them not to politicise the issue. “We ask for your understanding, as this work will not take long. The people of Katete should remain patient as the renovation progresses,” Kakyebezi said.

Captain Wilson Ntegeka, UPDF Engineering Brigade Western Region Project Manager, promised to deliver quality work and requested the locals’ cooperation throughout the project. “The project is expected to take three months, but our target is to complete it before Christmas to allow for smooth traffic flow during the festive season. We seek maximum cooperation,” Ntegeka said.

He also encouraged local youth to apply for jobs related to the project but emphasised the importance of adhering to the discipline of the UPDF.

Meanwhile, Robert Kanusu, Deputy Resident City Commissioner (DRCC) for Mbarara City South Division, also called for high-quality work during the renovation. “Let’s ensure we deliver quality work so that, in the future, we can recommend you for other large-scale projects in the city,” he said.

The DRCC also urged the youth to acquire vocational skills to better their prospects and address unemployment.

The renovation project will involve dismantling the bridge deck, installing guardrails, and laying a new wearing course. The road on which the bridge is situated goes to Isingiro district, and Tanzania border.

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