NELSON K
Kashojwa Parish residents in Rugyeyo Subcounty, Kanungu District, have raised concerns over the longstanding electricity scarcity in the area. The challenge has hindered economic development projects, especially business opportunities.
Speaking with Boona Radio, residents led by Denis Mugarura, the Kabungo Cell LC1 Chairperson, together with Yusuf Mugarura, voiced their concerns, emphasizing the failure of efforts and lack of capacity to start business projects such as salons, welding workshops, and popcorn businesses, including all other jobs that require electricity.
They also expressed disappointment and dissatisfaction about the unfair distribution of electricity, emphasizing that some neighborhoods in Kashojwa—such as Kahama, Kyamatwa, Nyamitundami, and Kitugu—are connected to power. However, other areas like Katungu, Kabatwa, Kabahesi, and Nyamakamba remain in darkness, leaving residents to question whether they are considered full citizens of Uganda.
Another resident, identified as Agaba Kyengoro, the Chairman NRM Maronko Cell, lamented that during the rainy season they are often left in darkness, since they rely on candles and solar energy, which depends on sunlight and is scarce during rainy periods. He further noted that solar power systems are not affordable for many small-scale earners in the area.
The District Councilor representing Rugyeyo Subcounty, Joseph Akankwasa, acknowledged the challenges faced by communities without electricity. He assured residents that as leaders, they have discussed the matter and are doing everything possible to ensure that all areas are connected to power starting from July this year.
Despite appreciating the work done by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, who is also the Kinkizi East Member of Parliament, in improving the road network, the residents called on the government and district leaders to prioritize addressing the electricity issue.
In response, the Kinkizi East Member of Parliament, who is also the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, announced that the government has plans to extend electricity in July this year to all areas that lack power and other social services across the district and the country at large. He assured residents that the company had already carried out surveys in some affected areas for electricity extension, and therefore called on residents to remain patient, emphasizing that the problem will soon be solved.
