Humanist

It could be significantly credited to the negative effects of climate change, but surely, human action that has occasioned significant loss of trees and vegetation in Entebbe has contributed to the current status quo – daily soaring temperatures close to 30 degrees celsius.

The heat waves Entebbe is experiencing, including this month, were among the points of concern discussed yesterday, 20th February 2025, at the Braza (public meeting), convened by Entebbe Municipal Council, and was held at Lubigi grounds, right next to Division B Local Government Offices, at Kitoro-Kiwafu.

The Baraza was well attended by the top tier government leadership of Entebbe – Town Clerk (host), Resident District Commissioner, District Police Commander, Division B Chairperson, and Vice Chairperson, were notably present in person, among other high level technocrats and politicians.

Notably absent, however, was the Mayor of Entebbe Municipality and the Member of Parliament representing Entebbe Municipality. Their absence did not go unnoticed by the hundreds who live and or work in Division B, who braved the scorching heat to physically attend the Baraza.

It has been a long while since such a Baraza was held for and at Division B, and so it was a welcome event. Tempers among us have been flaring up, now we learn, in some cases, on the basis of rumours and false information that is circulating among ordinary people about the Municipal’s plans and budgets.

Among issues of contention, are the discontent with allocation of shops at the newly re-built Kitoro Taxi Park and the Kitoro Market. It was clarified that the Municipal did the allocation of shops in a transparent manner and the allegation that the technocrats and politicians corruptly did so, is false.

All who are interested in the shops are invited to apply, the basis on which shops are allocated. Those allocated shops are given only three months to ensure they are in use. Otherwise, the Municipal will take back possession and has the power to re-allocate the repossessed shops to others on the waiting list.

The shops at the Kitoro Taxi Park are being allocated and rented out by the Municipal at rental charges ranging from 80,000 shillings to 300,000 shillings. And the ones at the Kitoro Market from 80,000 shillings to 500,000 shillings. As in, the market and the park are owned by the Municipal.

There is no longer a valid reason for roadside kiosks in the Kitoro area, we learned. All those who have been trading by the roadside have been given until the end of this month to vacate. With effect from 1st March 2025, enforcement will begin to clear the roadsides of kiosks – containers and other structures.

We learned that the contract has been signed with the Contractor and the funds are on the Municipal bank account for re-construction of Kiwafu Road. A road among the main ones that go to the Lake Victoria shores at Nakiwogo, where the ferry docks. Work on the road is expected to begin next month.

The jury is still out on the concerns of landowners along the Kiwafu Road. We give the Municipal the benefit of doubt that no landowner will be unduly disenfranchised, through land grabbing and damage of property, in the name of ‘development’.

Read “NRM Chairperson Ms. Namyalo Mariam lambasted Entebbe Municipality technocrats” for insights into the concerns of landowners along the Kiwafu Road.

A lot of infrastructure activity the Municipal has, including constructing new tarmac roads, such as the Namiro Swamp Road, which will be done via pre-financing. Where the Contractor does the work and is paid after it is done.

Back to the point about the soaring heat in Entebbe and how it puts meaning in the adage “water is life.” The urbanizing agenda of Entebbe in its reported quest to become a city, is unquestionably significantly contributing urban heat – beamed off the tarmac roads and buildings that are replacing green spaces.

Not only is this development causing there to be high temperatures in Entebbe, but it also causes abnormal rain patterns and volumes. Among the solutions to address this undesired environmental trend, we learned, is that the National Forestry Authority (NFA) has given the Municipal tree seedlings.

Apparently, as soon as the rains come and it is the rainy season, the NFA donated tree seedlings will be planted throughout Entebbe Municipality. Otherwise, for now, Entebbe is burning up and the best drink for humans, other animals, and plants is water and in plenty.

By the way, some who wanted to physically attend the Baraza said they were happy with the provision for drinking water, but urged that next time there should also be provision for serving attendees free food.

All in all, however, the Baraza was welcomed and it contributed in cooling down tempers somewhat. We, the wanainchi, hope that more Baraza’s will be held and at frequent intervals. And that all our elected leaders, especially, will take the time to be present in person.