By Aggrey Twesigye
Mbarara City leaders and technical officials have intensified sensitisation in South Division, urging Katete residents to voluntarily surrender land ahead of the World Bank-funded Uganda Cities and Municipal Infrastructure Development (UCMID) programme.
At a tense meeting held at Katete Primary School on Monday evening, the City Physical Planner, Carol Warugaba, told stakeholders that the project will upgrade 19 kilometres of roads in both the North and South divisions but without any compensation budget.
Warugaba noted a sharp contrast in cooperation, saying North Division residents have been more receptive, while resistance remains high in the South. She warned that illegal structures encroaching on road reserves will be demolished.
Addressing technical concerns, Mbarara City Deputy Mayor Priscah Murongo clarified fears linked to the River Kagera water project, whose pipelines run along some of the same road corridors.
Taking a blunt stance, Mbarara City South Division Mayor Jomo Mugabe warned that continued resistance could see the South Division lose the project to the North, urging residents to stop what he termed unnecessary “scuffles” over land.
The meeting ended with a directive for landlords to meet surveyors to sign consent forms, with officials emphasizing that standard roads with parking spaces will significantly raise land value and business potential.
Under UCMID Phase One, roads earmarked for rehabilitation include Hajj Asiimani–Matovu Road, Kitebero Road, Karugangama, Kashanyarazi, Kijungu Lane, among others.
