EDITOR
The Speaker of Mbarara City, Tashobya Bonny Karutsya, has extended an apology to users of the Lugazi Katete Bridge for the delays in completing rehabilitation works. He clarified that the delays were not due to negligence by the government or Mbarara City Council but were caused by technical adjustments to ensure the quality of the project.
Tashobya also cautioned the business community and the public against using heavy commercial vehicles on the bridge, as such vehicles exceed the 2.9-meter height limit indicated on the warning bars and contribute to the bridge’s deterioration.
During a monitoring exercise for the rehabilitation project, Tashobya highlighted that the Mbarara City Council had contracted the UPDF Engineering Brigade to execute the works at a cost of UGX 366 million. The rehabilitation, which began on December 6, 2024, was completed on January 6, 2025, in accordance with the memorandum of understanding. The official handover is scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
Tashobya further explained that the council had budgeted UGX 500 million for the project, leaving a balance of UGX 150 million. This remaining amount will be allocated to improve Kanyeite Bridge, which has long been in a critical state. Kanyeite Bridge, connecting Nyakaizi Kakoba to Karugangama Katete Nyamitanga in Mbarara City South Division, has often relied on community efforts for repairs.
Lt. Richard Isingoma, Acting Project Manager of the Western UPDF Engineering Brigade, noted that the brigade is implementing projects and contracts signed by the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs in collaboration with other ministries. He confirmed that the rehabilitation of the Lugazi Katete Bridge was completed within the stipulated one-month period and is ready for commissioning.
Lt. Isingoma also emphasized that metallic bars installed as part of the project will prevent vehicles exceeding 2.9 meters in height from crossing the bridge, with warning signs erected on both sides to ensure compliance.
Mr. Kibanda Donizio, NRM Publicity Secretary for Isingiro District and Local Councilor for Birere Sub-county, called on the government to allocate sufficient funding for the construction of a larger and stronger bridge. He stressed that such a bridge would accommodate all types of vehicles and significantly boost local business development.
