VANESSA A
Residents of Mabare Cell, Kyitondo Parish in Ihunga Subcounty, Ntungamo District, are decrying persistent electricity shortages, saying their community has never seen a single power pole or connection despite neighboring parishes enjoying the service.
Locals say the lack of power has left them in total darkness for years, affecting their safety and daily livelihoods. Many residents walk long distances to Kyitondo Trading Centre just to charge their phones, a practice they say exposes them to attacks along the way.
Community leaders note that the absence of electricity has crippled development in the area, making it difficult to start small businesses that rely on power. Residents also say that dependence on solar energy has not been sustainable, especially during rainy seasons when the systems go dim, leaving the community vulnerable to theft.
Frustration is also mounting over what locals describe as being left out of government service delivery. They argue that the lack of electricity has fueled underdevelopment and denied them opportunities to improve their standard of living.
When contacted, Ntungamo District Chairperson Sam Mucunguzi said leaders are working closely with Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to identify all cells without electricity. He assured residents that once the mapping exercise is complete, efforts will begin to extend power to every part of the district.
