On The Road: The state and promise of Mbarara City is Massive!

By: Morrison Rwakakamba

I spent most of today in Mbarara City. The efficiencies of Mbarara bypass have denied many travelers to Western Uganda and beyond the pleasures and strides of Mbarara City central business hub. The skyline of the hub is bustling and businesses are thriving.

Mbarara City retains a population of 261,657 people (UBOS 2024) with one of the highest purchasing power capability compared to all the newly created cities in Uganda. Only Arua City is ahead of Mbarara in terms of purchasing power and net return on investment for most businesses.

Mbarara City’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP) is at 2.3 Trillion shillings according to a 2022 study by Frederick S. Pardee of Center for International Futures at University of Denver. This amount must have since increased significantly. There is Money here — and perhaps the presence of 24 major banks without even mentioning a sea of Microfinance institutions, SACCOs etc in the area explains the situation!

Mbarara City is also a transit City to wider Western Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Rwanda — to Central Africa Republic and beyond. There is a great shopping experience as if Dubai when one visits Fresco Supermarket/Mall. If keen on great Kaaro and Eshabwe meal — Friends Corner is of legion!

For budget accommodation, one of Rukungiri’s youngest investors Medard Sonko has sorted this and is continuing to expand the SkyLite chain of Hotels from Rukungiri to Mbarara — 80 rooms are ready and 120 under construction just below the legendary Vision empire. For travelers keen on cultural and vintage experience — Emburara Resort, The Kraal and G-KAT are optimal.

Mbarara’s sports culture is getting strong with football clubs going premier and a history of great rally drivers. Mbarara University is producing doctors that are shaping healthcare in Mbarara and beyond. Leaders like Hon. Mwine Mpaka are campaigning, mobilizing and positioning the dream of a great Mbarara City.

Perhaps the next transformative phase for Mbarara City is going to be driven by massive industrialization. One way to make this happen is to shift Makenke Military Barracks to places like Nakivale (Isingiro District) and instead create (repurpose) Makenke Industrial Park. This will be a massive accelerator for high employment, innovation and super high income Mbarara City. If you haven’t been to Mbarara City please make plans — and remember to continue the journey to Rukungiri.