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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A fresh row has erupted in Mbarara municipality over the design of the roundabout. The fresh disagreements follow what councilors say is the failure by the technocrats to implement a council resolution taken early this year calling for the revision of the roundabout design.
A decision by Abubaker technical services, which was involved in the beautification of the roundabout as well as streets across Mbarara municipality to erect several metallic effigies that obscured the iconic monument of the traditional Long Horned Ankole Bull last year, met stiff resistance and condemnation from residents and local leaders.
The images that surround the clock tower in the middle of the roundabout, have a shape of cow horns and were designed to light up at night. The uproar only saw two of the metals removed and the old cow, Rusiina, which had lost its fourth leg and second horn renovated.
Franco Asiimwe, a resident of Mbarara municipality, says the developments in the municipality indicate that a section of leaders has resorted to fronting their personal interests instead of focusing on service delivery.
Robert Bushweta, the Kakoma ward councilor, says the councilors are vehemently opposed to the design and will not back off unless action is taken. Imam Kagiiko, the Katete ward councilor, says the contractors should pull down the effigies at their own cost.
He says that the authorities have failed to provide any supporting documents indicating how the design was arrived at and subsequently implemented.
Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, the Mbarara municipal mayor, says he is equally concerned and will engage the contractors to ensure that the situation is addressed.
The town clerk, Francis Barabanawe says the matter is being handled, adding that plans are underway to get rid of the contested design. He however, doesn’t specify how soon.
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