NELSON K
Residents, the business community, and locals in Keitumura Cell, Northern B Ward, Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality have raised concerns over electricity scarcity following UEDCL’s failure to replace a faulted transformer in the area.
Power users report that they have been struggling with the challenge since late January 2026 (almost one and a half months), affecting socio-economic activities such as trade and other aspects of human welfare.
Entrepreneurs, led by Mrs. Nabakyara Shallon, a shopkeeper; Tumuramye Apophia, a salon owner; Ankunda Adrine, a shopkeeper; and another resident identified as Yebuuze Yobu, expressed their frustrations to Boona Radio. They said that their businesses and incomes have suffered amid the power shortages. They added that despite reporting the issue to the relevant UEDCL authorities, no action has been taken to resolve the problem.
Other residents, led by Mr. Bananuka Henry Nabada and Mr. Niwoyesigire Obed, said that after the transformer faulted, they visited relevant offices, including the Rukungiri National Water and Sewerage Corporation, since the transformer also powered water tanks. Unfortunately, they were frustrated after being informed by officers that the project no longer uses this transformer following a switch to the Kahengye project.
They are therefore calling on UEDCL technical authorities, including their local leaders, to make urgent efforts to reconnect the area to electricity for both socio-economic and public welfare benefits.
The Eastern Division LC3 Chairperson, Mr. David Tumwesigye, who is also a resident of Keitumura Cell, confirmed that residents have suffered for over a month without electricity. He stated that he has been pressuring the UEDCL technical team to replace the transformer, and they have promised to work on the issue soon.
Meanwhile, Rukungiri UEDCL Line Manager, Mr. Alex Asiimwe, responded to the issue by asking residents for patience. He expressed sympathy with those affected, confirmed that his team is aware of the situation, and pledged that the transformer will be replaced within two weeks.
