Mbarara Locals Question Shs360m Spent on Katete Bridge Rehabilitation
Locals and some leaders have protested, arguing that the money does not match the work done, citing corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
Locals and a section of leaders from Mbarara City have protested the Shs360 million that Mbarara City Council authorities put in the budget to renovate Katete Bridge, which has been partly commissioned today for traffic after 10 months of closure.
The bridge has been renovated by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, but locals say its current status doesn't match the amount of money indicated.
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"We made sure that whatever was put on this bridge was recorded," Kajubi Moses, City Councillor for Katete, told The Nile Post, adding that they used only 32 iron plates, nuts, and 86 pieces of timber.
"Averagely, when you sum up the cost, it cannot go beyond Shs50 million."
Katete Bridge connects Mbarara City’s business district to Katete Town and parts of Isingiro District. The bridge was closed to prevent accidents after it showed signs of sinking into River Rwizi.
Ten months later, following public outrage, the government earmarked Shs360 million, which it gave to Mbarara City authorities to renovate the bridge.
Katete Bridge before its refurbishment
City leaders then contracted the UPDF Engineering Brigade, which took over the task and handed it over to the authorities for commissioning to traffic yesterday.
"The city clerk and the mayor asked us to work on this bridge as an emergency. Those MoUs that you hear about were done hurriedly," said Maj Francis Rugasira, legal officer of the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
"We have rehabilitated this bridge at a cost of Shs360 million, and we have done this work in a period of one month, contrary to the three months indicated in the contract," Rugasira added.
Locals and some leaders have protested, arguing that the money does not match the work done, citing corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
"This is a total shame to Mbarara City leaders and the UPDF," Saverino Sansa, one of the locals, said, adding that initially all vehicles used to pass on the bridge, but after renovation, some vehicles have been restricted, which raises many questions.
"This bridge can't cost Shs360 million," he added.
Catherine Kamwine, the Mbarara Resident City Commissioner, refused to fully commission the bridge, saying they want to study its strength.
"We have not commissioned this bridge because we need to first see its strength, but we have allowed vehicles and others to use it. Then we will come and commission it when we're aware of this and that," Kamwine said while addressing locals at the bridge.
The bridge when it was reopened today
Before its closure, all vehicles, including those with heavy axle loads, were passing on the bridge.
However, after its renovation, the UPDF put barriers to block them from crossing, which also angered the locals.
They have called on all anti-corruption agencies to launch a thorough investigation into this matter.
"We ask President Museveni and all anti-corruption agencies to come and investigate this corruption because Mbarara people are not happy at all," said Tamale Ismail, a local resident in Mbarara City.
Jomo Mugabi, the Mbarara City South Mayor, also questioned city authorities about the whereabouts of the balance of this money, which Robert Kakyebezi, the city mayor, labored to explain.
"My lord, the city mayor (Kakyebezi), we also know how to calculate," Mugabi said, drawing laughter from the crowd. "I think you're listening; let me stop at that."
"This bridge initially was to be renovated at Shs500 million, but we refused and asked the UPDF to come to our rescue," said Kakyebezi.
"The balance from this bridge will go to the renovation of Kanyeyite Bridge, which connects Kakoba Division to Nyamitanga through Karugangama," Kakyebezi added.
Meanwhile, the bridge is currently open for traffic as leaders assess its liability period. Katete Bridge connects Mbarara City’s business district to Katete Town and Isingiro District.
