VANESSA A
Residents of Bushura Parish, Kirima Sub-county, Kanungu District have decried persistent electricity shortages in their area, saying the situation has greatly hindered development.
Reports indicate that some cells in the parish have never received even a single electricity pole, with residents saying they have only seen officials surveying the area for years without any actual power connection.
Speaking to our reporter, LC1 Chairperson of Rwengwe Cell, Polycap Byamukama, confirmed that the cell has never received electricity services. He explained that residents have to travel to Kanungu Town to access services such as hair shaving, which costs them about UGX 10,000, an expense he described as too high for the community.
He appealed to the government, through their leaders, to lobby for electricity and clean water access, noting that if electricity were available, youths would start income-generating activities such as welding.
Another resident of Rwengwe Cell, Andrew Ngabirano, also echoed the same concerns, saying that the community relies on solar power, which does not last long and often goes dim at night, especially during the rainy season. He added that solar panels are sometimes stolen, creating insecurity in the area.
He further noted that residents lack places to charge their phones, a situation he said has contributed to rising theft cases. Andrew urged the government to provide electricity, pointing out that the area has schools, health centers, and churches that require power services.
However, speaking to our reporter, Kirima Sub-county LC3 Chairperson, David Kamahanga, called for patience from residents, saying the matter has already been presented to the responsible authorities. He assured the community that leaders are making follow-ups to ensure that all residents access essential services as deserved.
