VANESSA A
Residents of Kyabashenyi Parish in Nyamunuka Town Council, Ntungamo District, have decried persistent electricity shortages in their area.
It is reported that electricity poles were brought to the area several years ago, but since then, there have been no signs or hopes of receiving power supply, despite repeated appeals to their leaders.
Speaking to our reporter, Milkah Twinomuhwezi, the LC1 Chairperson of Izinga Cell, acknowledged that residents have lived in darkness for years. She noted that they have been promised electricity by their leaders time and again, but nothing has materialized.
Twinomuhwezi added that although some residents use solar panels, they often go dim during the rainy season. She also mentioned that not everyone can afford solar panels powerful enough to support even basic security lighting. She further revealed that their area Member of Parliament once promised to provide solar panels after residents submitted their names, but they are still waiting for the pledge to be fulfilled.
Similarly, Angellah Busingye, the LC1 Chairperson of Nyakyizinga Cell, echoed the same concerns. She explained that in previous years, residents were asked to pay UGX 1 million per pole to have electricity extended to their homes. However, many could not afford the fee, and those who paid were later told that the exercise was a scam. To date, they remain in total darkness, waiting for the next phase of the electrification program.
Busingye also noted that during the rainy season, residents struggle to charge their phones because solar panels become less effective. She added that darkness in the area has contributed to rising theft cases, calling for quick intervention from the responsible authorities.
When contacted, Sadarah Kahindi, the Mayor of Nyamunuka Town Council, confirmed that the electricity challenge is not only affecting Kyabashenyi Parish but the entire district. He explained that the issue is beyond the town council’s capacity but assured residents that leaders are making follow-ups.
Kahindi revealed that technical officials have already conducted surveys in Kyabashenyi and that the problem will soon be addressed.
