SIMPSON M
Residents of Mafuuga Parish, Rutenga Subcounty in Kanungu District are expressing strong disapproval and frustration over the continued lack of electricity in their area. They say the absence of power is stifling development and limiting business opportunities.
Locals, led by Banard Bakesigaki, the area councilor for Mafuuga Parish, and Micheal Aturinda, voiced concerns that they are unable to start businesses such as salons, welding workshops, and popcorn production, all of which require electricity.
They also decried the unfair distribution of electricity, noting that while some parts of Mafuuga Parish have access to power, others remain in the dark—leaving residents to question whether they are considered full citizens of Uganda.
Residents lamented that electricity poles have been in place for over five years, yet power has never been connected. They pointed out that neighboring areas like Kinaaba, which share the same power lines, already have functioning electricity, while Mafuuga remains without.
“We are struggling to start and grow businesses like welding and salons that need electricity. Without power, development here is very slow,” one resident stated.
Despite appreciating the work done by district leaders and the area Member of Parliament in improving the road network, the residents called upon them to also prioritize addressing the electricity issue.
In response, the District Councilor representing Rutenga Subcounty, Mr. Broosa Ainembabazi, acknowledged the challenges faced by communities without electricity. He assured residents that as leaders, they have discussed the matter and are doing everything possible to ensure that all areas are connected to the grid.
He emphasized that both the district leadership and the Member of Parliament are actively engaging the relevant authorities to address the power shortage in Mafuuga Parish.
