In a landmark event aimed at transforming urban infrastructure, the State Minister for Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, has officially launched a UGX 1.2 billion grader to improve the road network in Mbale City.
The initiative, celebrated as a major milestone in the development of local governments, is expected to address the city's long-standing road challenges and enhance accessibility for its residents. During the launch, Hon. Magyezi emphasized the need for accountability, cleanliness, and order in the city, urging local officials to prioritize the proper use of the grader and restore Mbale's reputation as one of Uganda's cleanest and most organized towns.
In a significant boost to infrastructure development, Mbale City officials have successfully secured a UGX 1.2 billion grader, which was officially commissioned by the State Minister for Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi. The event, held in Mbale City, was attended by local leaders, city officials, and residents who have long endured the poor state of the city's roads. The minister described the acquisition of the grader as a transformative step in the development of local councils and cities, emphasizing that it will enable the city to maintain its roads more effectively and reduce reliance on expensive private contractors.
Hon. Magyezi warned Mbale City Council officials, led by Mayor Kassim Namugali, against diverting the grader to other districts, stressing that the city's roads are in urgent need of attention. "This grader is for Mbale City, and it must remain here to serve the people of Mbale. The roads are in terrible condition, and this equipment will help us address these challenges," he said. The minister also called for order in the town, urging vendors to stop operating haphazardly and to confine their activities to designated areas. He expressed concern over the growing disorder in the city, particularly the practice of vendors selling goods in front of shops and along road reserves, which disrupts traffic flow and creates congestion.
The minister also highlighted the need for cleanliness, noting that Mbale, once renowned as Uganda's cleanest town, has now fallen into disarray with garbage littering the streets. "Mbale was once a model of cleanliness, but now it has gone to the dogs. We must restore order and cleanliness to this city," Hon. Magyezi said. He revealed that the government is in talks with investors to convert waste into useful products such as fertilizers and glasses. However, he stressed that this can only be achieved if the city is clean and well-organized. "We need bylaws to penalize those who litter the town. Cleanliness must be a priority for everyone," he added.
The new grader is expected to save the city approximately UGX 100 million annually, which was previously spent on hiring equipment from private contractors. With the government allocating UGX 1 billion for road maintenance, the city is now better equipped to address its infrastructure challenges. The minister expressed confidence that the grader will significantly improve the condition of Mbale's roads, making them more accessible to residents and boosting economic activity in the region.
Mbale City Clerk, Mr. Abirebe Assy Tumwesigire, described the acquisition of the grader as a milestone for the city. He assured the minister that order would be restored, noting that vendors have already vacated road reserves. "We are committed to ensuring that Mbale City is clean and orderly. Vendors have been relocated from road reserves, and our next focus is on regulating truck drivers and taxi operators to ensure smooth traffic flow," he said. Mr. Tumwesigire also promised that the city council would use the grader efficiently to improve the road network and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Mayor Kassim Namugali expressed his gratitude for the grader but appealed to the government to provide a roller to complement the equipment. "This grader is a great addition to our city, but we also need a roller to ensure that the roads are properly compacted and durable," he said. The mayor revealed that the funds for the grader were sourced from local taxes, underscoring the community's contribution to the city's development. "This equipment was purchased using the taxes paid by the people of Mbale. It is a testament to their commitment to the development of our city," he added.
However, not everyone was entirely satisfied with the development. Mr. Maside Robert, Secretary of the Landlords and Property Owners Association in Mbale City, raised concerns about accountability. While he acknowledged the council's efforts, he pointed out that UGX 1.2 billion is a small fraction of the over UGX 3 billion collected annually in taxes. "As taxpayers, we need more accountability for the money collected by the city council. UGX 1.2 billion is just a drop in the ocean compared to what is collected each year. We want to see more transparency and effective use of our contributions," he said.
The launch of the grader marks a new chapter for Mbale City, with residents hopeful that the initiative will pave the way for improved infrastructure, cleanliness, and order in the town. The event also served as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between the government, local authorities, and the community in driving development. As the city embarks on this new phase of transformation, the focus will be on ensuring that the grader is used effectively to address the city's road challenges and restore Mbale's reputation as a clean, orderly, and prosperous urban center.
