MP MWINE MPAKA DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY FOR KATETE BRIDGE REHABILITAION

Letter written by MP Mwine Mpaka.
BY AGGREY TWESIGYE
IN MBARARA…
Mbarara City South Member of Parliament, Hon. Mwine Mpaka, has called for transparency and accountability in the rehabilitation of Katete Bridge, and has called upon city officials to present bills of quantities for scrutiny.
The bridge, completed a month ago, was rehabilitated at a cost of UGX 366 million by the UPDF Construction Brigade, despite an earlier evaluation that placed the best bidder at UGX 517 million.
The deal was facilitated by Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi and former Town Clerk Assy Abirebe Tumwesigire.
Following the completion of the project, residents raised concerns over the quality of work, questioning whether the funds were well utilized. The situation was further deteriorated when heavy trucks were barred from using the bridge, casting doubt on its structural strength.
Amidst the growing controversy, former Town Clerk Tumwesigire was transferred to Mbale City and replaced by Justine Barekye from Soroti City a move some residents believe was linked to the bridge’s mismanagement.
In response, Hon. Mpaka, in a letter dated February 3, 2025, directed the new Town Clerk to submit the bills of quantities within 14 days to ensure accountability.
