VANESSA A
Residents of Kitojo Parish in Bwongyera Sub-county, Ntungamo District, have expressed concern over persistent electricity shortages in their area despite repeatedly informing their leaders about the challenge.
The lack of electricity has significantly affected businesses, particularly in Omukarere Trading Centre, which is steadily developing and serves a large part of Bwongyera Sub-county. Residents say there is not even a single electricity pole in Kyitojo Parish, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to establish businesses that depend on power, such as welding workshops.
Bernard Mujurizi, the LC1 Chairperson of Kyitojo Cell, noted that the absence of electricity has slowed business growth in Omukarere Trading Centre. He explained that although the centre has the potential to serve almost the entire sub-county, the lack of power supply continues to hinder its development.
He added that the situation has also contributed to rising cases of theft. According to him, reliance on solar lighting has proven unreliable, as the lights often dim at night, creating opportunities for thieves to break into homes and shops.
Residents, including Yoramu Ntambirwekyi, a businessperson in Omukarere Trading Centre, said the area’s development has been greatly limited by the absence of electricity. He emphasized that access to power would enable locals to start various businesses and improve their livelihoods. Without electricity, he noted, it is difficult to plan for investments such as factories or other large-scale ventures, leaving the community lagging behind in development.
Kubirabe Mariciyari Mulowoza, another businessperson in the trading centre, said they feel neglected, as neighboring areas have already been connected to electricity. He pointed out that they have never seen even a single electricity pole in their area and called for urgent intervention from leaders to ensure power is extended to Kyitojo Parish. He said access to electricity would open up opportunities for businesses like welding and other income-generating activities.
The Area Councillor for Kyitojo Parish and Speaker of Bwongyera Lower Local Council, David Kanyeihamba, also acknowledged the electricity challenge. He said that for Omukarere Trading Centre to grow into a fully developed town, it needs reliable electricity services to support enterprises such as coffee processing factories and other businesses.
He appealed to residents to remain patient, expressing hope that the current leadership will prioritize extending electricity services to the area to spur development and improve living conditions.
