Mityana Municipality, lacking street lights, faces insecurity and economic stagnation. The town, with over 10,000 residents, becomes dangerous at night, attracting criminals.
Mityana Municipality, with 15 wards and 3 divisions, faces insecurity and economic stagnation due to the lack of functional street lights. Over 10,000 residents, mostly traders and farmers, face danger at night as criminals exploit the darkness to terrorise businesses and pedestrians. Â
Central Division businesses close early due to security concerns, impacting solar vendors and traders. Residents face risks while navigating the streets at night.
Municipal authorities admit the street light deficit stems from financial constraints. Deputy Town Clerk Erick Kinobe revealed: "The inadequate budget allocation makes it impossible to install and maintain street lights while addressing other infrastructure needs." Â
Division mayors presented conflicting perspectives: Â Central Division's Woto Nava Fred: "Our traders are resilient despite the security challenges" Â
Busimbi Division's David Malagala: "We prioritise available funds for most critical needs first" Â
Ttamu Division's Lukyamuzi Bazzeketta: "Street lighting remains on our development agenda" Â
Peter Tukundane from SEATINI Uganda identified the root cause: "The persistent underdevelopment in Mityana stems from the toxic rift between political leaders and the technical municipal council. They must reconcile and align on development priorities." Â
Darkness reduces business, increases commodity prices, and prompts relocations.
LC1 Chairman Ambrose Ssande Kafunda voiced community frustration: "We're prisoners in our homes after 7 pm. The municipality must treat this as an emergency." Â
Stakeholders propose immediate solar-powered lights, a dedicated budget, public-private partnerships, and joint security patrols. Â
As Mityana grows, resolving this issue will test its leaders’ ability to provide basic services and foster commerce and community life.
