Mbarara district writes to local gov’t ministry over Bwizibwera Road side market

6 June 2023, 2:44 pm

Story by Aggrey Twesigye.

Didas Tabaro Chairman LCV Mbarara district

Mbarara District has reached out to the Ministry of Local Government seeking guidance regarding the Bwizibwera Road side market.

Didas Tabaro, the district chairman, explains that the district sent a letter to MOLG after encountering strong opposition from certain local leaders in Rwanyamahembe Town Council regarding the construction of the market.

It is worth noting that last year, the district’s woman member of parliament, Magrete Ayebare Rwebyambu, organized a fundraising ceremony to generate funds for the construction of the market in Bwizibwera Town Council.

The event was attended by the Prime Minister, Rhobinah Nabbanja, and approximately 60 million shillings was raised.

However, one year has passed, and there has been no progress on the market construction. As a result, authorities, local residents, and vendors from the market are demanding accountability from the legislator, claiming that the money raised has not been used for its intended purpose.

During a recent interview with journalists, MP Rwebyambu admitted to collecting around 60 million shillings from 17 MPs, locals, and the Prime Minister during the fundraising event. She also confirmed that the Prime Minister had pledged to provide 200 iron sheets for the construction of a temporary market in Rwanyamahembe Town Council.

Rwebyambu stated that she decided to keep the money on her personal account due to alleged sabotage by individuals in Mbarara District.

Addressing journalists on Monday at his office, Didas Tabaro expressed the district’s position that the vendors should benefit from the market facility.

He mentioned that a team of officials from the Ministry of Local Government recently visited the site and submitted a report.

Tabaro further added that the ministry has expressed its commitment and willingness to allocate funds to support the construction of the market.