By Vicent Emong
Authorities in Kumi Municipality have issued a warning to garage operators against repairing vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles along public roads, citing concerns over road damage and public safety.
In a statement addressing business vehicle operators, Hendry Mateega, the Executive Principal Municipal Engineer, cautioned that the practice is increasingly affecting the durability of roads within the municipality.
❝ “Our colleagues that are having garages, both for vehicles and motorbikes, we’ve realised and observed that actually they spill oil onto the paved areas, and this oil actually reacts with the tarmac, which is very bad. The durability of our roads will be compromised.” ❞
— Henry Mateega
He explained that beyond damaging infrastructure, such activities also pose safety risks and negatively affect the appearance of the town.
In response, municipal authorities have proposed that garage operators relocate their activities to designated areas to ensure better organization and environmental protection.
❝ “So what we have advised is that they should use shops to sell spare parts and get gazetted places. For example, the Church of Uganda is willing to give them space so that they can do all repairs and where they can keep their oils safely without damaging our roads.” ❞
— Henry Mateega
Mateega emphasized that compliance with the directive will support ongoing efforts to reorganize and modernize the municipality.
❝ “If they can actually abide by that, we believe we will have a very smooth transition of re-organising the town.” ❞
— Henry Mateega
Municipal leaders are now calling on garage operators to take the guidance seriously, stressing that protecting public infrastructure is a shared responsibility.
By shifting repair activities to designated locations, authorities hope to preserve road quality, enhance safety, and create a more orderly environment for both businesses and residents.
