Mbarara City Council is currently facing difficulties in disposing of unclaimed bodies due to the absence of a designated cemetery.
The predicament began in October when the city lost access to its former public graveyard in Rwobuyenje, Mbarara City South Division. Legal action taken by a group disputing the council’s use of the land resulted in its loss, leaving the council with the daunting task of finding an alternative burial site for unclaimed bodies.
Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, the Mayor of Mbarara City, revealed that 42 unclaimed bodies were recently deposited at the city council premises. Faced with the urgent need to dispose of these bodies, the council decided to bury them in Kanywa cell Kakoma Ward, located in Mbarara City North Division. However, this decision was met with resistance from local leaders.
In addition to the unclaimed bodies at the city council premises, Mbarara Regional Hospital is also struggling with 20 unclaimed bodies, further exacerbating the situation.
Mayor Kakyebezi explained that the selection of Kanywa land as a temporary burial site was made out of necessity, pending approval from the council. The council is actively seeking appropriate land that can be officially gazetted for burial purposes.
Benon Kyabwisho, the Mayor of Mbarara City North Division, expressed concern over the burial of unclaimed bodies in Kanywa without prior approval from the Division council, emphasizing the illegality of such actions.
Dr. Celestine Barigye, the Director of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, urged relevant authorities to swiftly identify alternative land to address the ongoing crisis. The urgent need for a solution underscores the gravity of the situation and the necessity for prompt action to ensure dignified handling of unclaimed bodies in Mbarara City.
