NATAMBA M
Residents and local leaders in Goma Parish, Nyakyera Sub-county, Ntungamo District, have voiced growing concern over the lack of essential social services that continue to hinder development in the area.
The concerns were raised during a community meeting held at Goma Church of Uganda, bringing together residents, political, religious, and local leaders along with officials from Ntungamo District.
Deus Arinatwe, LC1 Chairperson of Nyakanengo Cell, highlighted the ongoing water crisis in the area, revealing that the entire parish relies on a single spring, located far away and yielding limited water. He also raised alarms over the state of Goma Health Centre II, which has reportedly become neglected and unusable, even turning into a “bee hive,” he said, urging the Ministry of Health to step in and restore health services, especially for expectant mothers.
Education was also a key concern, with both Arinatwe and Hon. Julian Sande, LC3 Councilor for Goma Parish, calling on the government to fulfill its promise of turning Goma Secondary School into a public institution. Hon. Sande emphasized that the move would make education more accessible and affordable for local families.
Responding to the calls, Grace Twinomugisha, Ntungamo District Minister for Works, Water and Community-Based Services, reassured residents that electricity will soon be extended to the parish. She confirmed that engineers had already surveyed the area and mapped out the route for power lines.
Gerald Nuwagaba, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Ntungamo District, added that the rural electrification program is prioritizing areas close to the main grid, including Goma Parish. He also assured that compensation will be provided to residents whose land will be affected by the installation of poles.
Ntungamo LC5 Chairperson Samuel Mucungunzi pledged to address key issues raised. He promised to construct a modern classroom block and office at Goma Primary School and reaffirmed commitment to upgrade Goma Secondary School to government status, following the model of Maama Janet Girls School. On health, Mucungunzi said the district will introduce outreach services at Goma Health Centre II to bring medical care closer to the community. He also mentioned ongoing efforts by the Umbrella Uganda project to improve water access in the parish.
Residents left the meeting hopeful, with renewed assurance from their leaders that long-standing issues affecting health, education, water, and electricity in Goma Parish will soon be addressed.
