Teso gets electricity access scale-up project
“I can now open my shop where I can sell drinks and get money for supporting my family of four,” Otim, who lost his wife in April last year leaving him with four children, says.
Minister Nankabirwa together with Toroma county MP Andrew Koluo going to swtich power connected houses that recieved free electricty connection. (Photos by Godfrey Ojore)
NewVision Reporter
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________________________ Minister being welcomed by Suzan Asego on Gomezi to her home to swtich powr connected free of charge Minister Nakabirwa and leaders of Teso pose for a picture at the home of Suzan Asego in Katakwi town council Minister Nankabirwa getting out of a hut that has been connected to power Stanley Otim swtiching on power after getting free connection Minister play with the daugther of Stanley Otim a UPDF solider who benefted from free connection
It has been a dream for Standly Otim from Ngariam county in Katakwi district to have electricity in his two-roomed house but connection fees have made his dreams far from a reality.
“I have been using a torch for lighting because I could not manage connection fees even when the electricity pole is in my compound,” Otim, a soldier who lost his left leg to a landmine, says.
His prayers have finally been answered following the launch of the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP) by the energy minister Ruth Nankabirwa.
The project worth $638m (over shillings 2.48 trillion) is a World Bank-funded project to last for five years and is being implemented by two government institutions: Energy Ministry and Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation company (UECC).
The project aims to increase electricity access to households, commercial and industrial users, and public institutions in rural areas, refugee settlements, and pre-urban and urban areas, through on-grid and off-grid solutions.
“I can now open my shop where I can sell drinks and get money for supporting my family of four,” Otim, who lost his wife in April last year leaving him with four children, says.
Like him, Suzan Asego from Katakwi town council is celebrating free electricity connection to her grass-thatched house.
“My children can now also have an opportunity to read their books at night. Thank you, government, for coming to my rescue,” a happy Asego said as Nankabirwa switched on power for her.
The Government intends with this project to increase access to clean energy cooking services by supporting private sector enterprises promoting efficient and clean cooking solutions.
Serere district LC5 chairperson Stephen Ochola who is the regional chairperson of Teso, appealed to the Government to consider connecting electricity to schools stating that it will facilitate good performance of learners.
“Our children are bright, but they don’t read at night like it’s the case with their counterparts in towns. I pray that schools and churches also get connected,” Ochola said.
Nankabirwa represented Vice-President Jessica Alupo on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
Universal access target
A week earlier, while launching a similar project in Mitooma district, Nankabirwa said the Government is seeking to achieve universal access to energy for Ugandans by the year 2030.