VANESSA A
Electricity shortages in Kifunjo Cell, Nyakyinengo Parish, Nyakagyeme Subcounty, Rukungiri District, have significantly contributed to the rising theft cases in the area.
It is reported that the electricity poles were installed only up to Omwirwaniro Trading Centre, which is still far from Kifunjo Cell, leaving it in total darkness and vulnerable to theft.
Speaking to our reporter, the LC1 Chairperson of Kifunjo Cell, Adrine Kiconco, expressed her concern over the matter, saying the electricity supply ends at the trading center, leaving residents in deeper villages without power. She noted that the darkness is encouraging theft in the area.
Kiconco further explained that residents are unable to develop business ideas such as operating salons, welding shops, or grain mills due to the lack of electricity. She urged leaders to prioritize extending electricity to their community.
Peter Turyahikayo, a resident of Kifunjo Cell, also shared his frustrations, stating that there isn’t even a single electric pole in the area. As a result, small-scale businesses are struggling — they can’t operate fridges or run salons.
He added that due to the electricity shortages, his goats were stolen and his coffee was harvested by thieves before he could pick it himself. Turyahikayo called on local leaders to urgently intervene, saying power supply would help reduce theft in the area.
The area Councilor for Nyakyinengo Parish, Lawrence Byarugaba, also raised concern about poor service delivery. He pointed out that due to the absence of security lights, thieves have taken advantage of the darkness to carry out crimes.
Byarugaba appealed to top leadership to urgently extend electricity services to their community, emphasizing that this would curb crime and stimulate business development.
However, when contacted, the Rukungiri District LC5 Chairperson, Geoffrey Kyomukama, explained that electricity supply designs were delayed countrywide due to financial constraints. He noted that now the government has taken over electricity distribution from UMEME, these challenges are expected to be resolved soon.
Kyomukama also confirmed that various donors have stepped in to support the cause, and as a result, electricity services will soon be offered at a more affordable rate.
