Shs15 Billion Masaka City Hall Construction Underway After Decade-Long Delay

Construction works on the long-awaited Masaka City Hall, valued at Shs15 billion, have finally kicked off, signaling an end to a decade of delays. The project was significantly hampered by a protracted dispute over the ownership of the 3.2-acre Kitabiro-Kizungu Hill land earmarked for the city hall.

This land ownership disagreement, which began in 2020 between Masaka City Council and district authorities, was resolved earlier this year. District leaders handed over the land title deed to the city administration, clearing the path for construction to begin. The project is slated for completion within two years.

Hanan Contractors Limited has been awarded the contract to build the new facility. Masaka City Clerk Daniel Kaweesi announced that the hall will feature three floors, to be developed in phases, with the initial phase costing Shs4.7 billion. Funding for the commencement of works, amounting to Shs1.2 billion, has been secured through the sale of the former Mayor’s Garden.

Kaweesi expressed gratitude to the district leaders for resolving the land ownership issue, acknowledging that the delay was due to negotiations to secure the land, which was initially registered under the district’s name. Mayor Florence Namayanja highlighted the historical significance of the site, noting it once housed a colonial-era governor’s office.

City leaders are optimistic about securing additional funds to ensure the project’s timely completion. The new city hall is expected to centralize Masaka City’s currently dispersed offices, which are spread across multiple buildings, to improve efficiency and service delivery. The assistant resident commissioner, Josephine Nabakooza, urged the contractor to prioritize value for money.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/shs15b-masaka-city-hall-works-kick-off-5472328