Mbarara South Questions Slow Development Despite Generating Most City Revenue

What the report says

Leaders in Mbarara City South are raising concerns that the division’s visible development has lagged behind its contribution to city revenue. According to Nile Post, the South hosts key commercial centres, markets, industrial areas and transport terminals, and local leaders say it generates more than 70% of Mbarara City’s locally raised revenue.

Despite that role, officials and residents in the division say many roads remain unpaved, drainage channels are frequently clogged during heavy rains, and several infrastructure projects have moved slowly. The debate has turned toward whether the gap reflects budget priorities, administrative delays or problems in carrying out approved projects.

Mbarara City South Mayor Jomo Mugabi said the division deserves a fairer share of development because it contributes the largest amount of revenue. City Speaker Bonny Tashobya acknowledged bottlenecks and shifting priorities, while deputy mayor Ronald Bamuhaira said both divisions receive similar allocations after remittances and argued that the main issue is implementation. City official Gumisiriza Kyabwisho pointed to stronger political coordination and contractor oversight in Mbarara City North as one reason for faster visible progress there.

The discussion comes as Mbarara continues expanding after attaining city status, and it highlights broader questions about how public investment is planned and delivered in fast-growing urban areas. Nile Post noted that the claims about revenue shares and allocations would need confirmation against official city records.