MBARARA, Uganda — Mbarara District is preparing to relocate its administrative headquarters from Kamukuzi in Mbarara City to Bwizibwera, following progress on a multi-billion-shilling construction project expected to reshape service delivery in the district.
According to the District Chairperson, Didas Tabaro, the move will take place once the Level One slab of the new administration block is completed, after which offices will begin operations at the new site in Bwizibwera.
The project, valued at approximately Shs15 billion, is being implemented by the National Housing and Construction Company Limited, with the district already entering into an agreement with the contractor to undertake the works.
Tabaro revealed that funding for the project is being mobilized in phases, with Shs2.9 billion secured in the 2024/2025 financial year. This includes Shs1 billion generated from local revenue.
He added that an additional Shs1 billion has been earmarked in the 2026/2027 financial year to further support ongoing construction. However, district officials acknowledge that the funds currently available are still insufficient to fully complete the project, given its overall cost.
Despite the financial gap, the district leadership remains optimistic that continued government support and internal revenue mobilization will enable steady progress on the new headquarters.
In a related development, Mbarara District is also moving to modernize its local revenue collection systems as part of efforts to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Officials say the government, through the Local Government Finance Commission, has introduced the Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS), which is being rolled out across local governments to replace manual revenue collection methods.
The district’s leadership has expressed commitment to implementing the system, noting that the automation initiative is expected to enhance revenue performance and strengthen financial management.
District officials believe that with improved infrastructure and modernized revenue systems, the relocation to Bwizibwera will mark a significant step toward better service delivery and administrative efficiency in Mbarara District.
