MICHAEL N
Residents of Kikoni Parish in Ntungamo Sub-county, Ruhaama Constituency, Ntungamo District, are grappling with persistent darkness due to lack of electricity, a challenge they say is undermining both livelihoods and development.
Communities in Muyongo, Mutanoga, and Muyumbu villages have appealed to the government to extend electricity services to their area, noting that the shortage has hindered the establishment of businesses such as welding workshops, salons, and carpentry enterprises that depend on power.
Milton Twijukye, the LC1 Chairperson of Muyongo Village, said the absence of electricity has greatly affected residents’ daily lives. He explained that people are forced to travel long distances to charge their phones and access basic services like hair shaving. He added that the lack of power has stalled the growth of trading centers, as shop owners cannot operate refrigerators, leaving many residents reliant on solar power, which is often unreliable and limited in duration.
Residents, including Moreen Benomugisha and Jennifer Tukamushaba of Muyongo Cell in Kikoni Parish, expressed concern that the lack of electricity is affecting their families and livelihoods. They noted that while neighboring parishes have electricity, Kikoni remains underserved, a situation they say has contributed to rising cases of theft at night. They also pointed out the absence of salons and other electricity-dependent workshops, which they believe would provide employment opportunities and help reduce idleness among the youth.
Laban Balongo, a proprietor of Just Educate Me Community School in Kikoni Parish, said the lack of electricity is also affecting education and skills development. He noted that although the school has computers and sewing machines, they rely on solar power, which is insufficient to run the equipment for extended periods. He added that during the rainy season, operations become even more difficult since solar panels depend on sunlight, affecting activities such as printing and computer use.
Meanwhile, Naboth Mpiridwe, the LC5 Councillor representing Ntungamo Sub-county, acknowledged that electricity remains a major challenge across many parts of Ntungamo District. He revealed that there has been no significant electricity extension in the district over the past five years and urged residents to remain patient as newly elected leaders work to raise the issue with higher authorities.
