Motorists in Mbarara City have voiced concerns over the mismanagement of street parking, citing unregulated fees and alleged extortion by those overseeing the parking operations. Since Woodfix Technical Services Limited took charge of street parking in 2017 under an agreement with Mbarara City, numerous complaints have been raised.
Wilbrob Mwesigye, a representative of Pearl and Nature Safaris, expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the street parking is managed by aggressive individuals who charge exorbitant fees, particularly targeting those transporting tourists. The lack of standard fees has led to instances of alleged cheating.
Simon Mwijuka Sezi, Chairman of Mbarara City Traders Association, highlighted the adverse impact on businesses, with many establishments relocating due to issues arising from street parking. Hotel and bar customers frequently face clamping issues, prompting a call for 500 drivers and car owners to seek clarification on charging policies.
Special hire driver Eligio Mukasa revealed that after petitioning city authorities, they managed to resist harassment, exploitation, and intimidation. However, new individuals and vulnerable groups continue to be targeted by what Mukasa describes as a system managed by “goons.”
Eunice Natukunda, a wholesaler, expressed frustration with fee collectors, labeling them as thieves who even enter people’s homes to demand payment. Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi acknowledged the problems and announced plans to digitalize the parking fees system to bring order to the chaotic situation.
Mbarara City Clerk Assy Abireebe stated that a digital system is in the finalization stage to regulate street parking effectively. He emphasized the city’s disapproval of the current issues and mentioned the ongoing direction to the current contractor to cease alleged malpractices.
The current street parking charging policy includes a fee of Shs500 for an hour, Shs1,000 per hour for two vehicles, and an additional fee for each hour beyond the first. Defaulted payments within 48 hours result in a Shs30,000 fine, and clamped vehicles must settle the fine regardless of the period of default.
Nicholas Asiimwe, the proprietor of Woodfix Technical Services, assured that they are in the process of digitalizing their services to address challenges and irregularities in their operations.
