NELSON K
Out of the 18 sub-counties in Mitooma District, three are completely facing a serious electricity scarcity challenge, another three have no Health Centre III facilities, and an additional three lack any secondary school, according to the LC5 Chairperson, Mr. Benon Karyiija.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Boona Radio today, Mr. Karyiija expressed concern that Nyakizinga Sub-county is completely off-grid, with no electricity at all. He further explained that Rwoburunga and Kiyaga sub-counties, though equipped with electric poles and wiring, are not yet receiving electricity services.
On education, Karyiija decried the lack of secondary schools in Katenga, Mutara, and Nyakizinga sub-counties. He blamed the government for neglecting the education sector in rural areas, saying every sub-county deserves at least one secondary school to support academic growth and development.
In terms of healthcare services, the chairperson revealed that Katenga, Mutara, and Nyakizinga sub-counties have never had a Health Centre III. He, however, noted that Bitereko sub-county has a health center which is soon to be officially opened. Karyiija also pointed out that Ruhinda South Constituency lacks a Health Centre IV, unlike Ruhinda Central and Ruhinda North, which are better equipped.
Meanwhile, the LC5 Chairperson urged residents of Mitooma District to prioritize coffee growing in a bid to become one of the leading coffee-producing districts in Western Uganda. He encouraged farmers to adopt modern and effective farming methods and to control pests and diseases such as coffee wilt and banana bacterial wilt, with support from agricultural officers in their respective areas.
Additionally, Mr. Karyiija issued a stern warning to residents against blocking or destroying road drainage channels under the pretext of protecting their land from erosion. He advised them to instead embrace land management techniques such as terracing and contour ploughing, which protect both land and roads from damage.
