Museveni launches rural electricity project

By Francis Emorut

President Yoweri Museveni has launched the rural electrification project to cover five districts in the western region.

The districts include Mbarara, Bushenyi, Ibanda, Sheema and Mitooma.

Museveni advised residents of Bushenyi and Mitooma districts that they should be mindful of having household income so that they able to pay for the electricity.

“It is good to have electricity but it’s also important to make sure that each household has got a source of income. Otherwise, how will you pay for electricity without an income?” Museveni asked.

The project that is to last 18 months will see over 10 trading centres connected to power.


 

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President Yoweri Museveni greets the contractor of rural electrification project Sankalpa Weerasinghe during the launch of the project at Kakoma Primary school in Bushenyi district on August 26, 2014. Photo/Francis Emorut

The trading centres include Kasheke, Mbuya, Ruharo, Bunyarugi, Rwakanyonyi, Kyanamira, Rukarware and Nyamiko.

The President launched the rural electrification projects at Kakoma and Rutookye in Bushenyi and Mitooma districts respectively.

Rural electrification across the country is being spearheaded by Rural Electrification Agency (REA) aimed at social rural economic transformation.

The project undertaking is being handled by contractor LTL Projects Limited.

Minister of labour, gender and social development Mary Karooro Okurut welcomed the project saying electricity services are being taken nearer to the people.

“We are happy for the project because we are taking services nearer to people and in fulfillment of NRM manifesto,” Karooro said.

According Igara West MP Raphael Magezi the rural electrification project was the President’s promise in the 2011 general election campaigns.

“I am very happy the President has fulfilled his pledge,” Magezi said.

He said electricity will help the communities to engage in economic activities such as metal fabrication, salon operators and others.

Eseri Ayebale a resident of Nyabubare in Bushenyi district said power connection will relief them the cost of paraffin and save them from black fumes that emanate from tadooba.

Present at the launch were the executive director of REA, Godfrey Turyahikayo, Prof. Tarsis Kabwegere and minister of constitutional affairs Kahinda Otafiire, district leaders and the contractor Sankalpa Weerasinghe and others.

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