Museveni launches electricity rural connection in 5 districts

By Francis Emorut        

                                          
President Yoweri Museveni has launched rural electrification project to cover five districts in western region.
The districts include Mbarara, Bushenyi, Ibanda, Sheema and Mitooma.

Museveni advised residents of Bushenyi and Mitooma districts to have household income so that they are 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.

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 operation and others.

Eseri Ayebale a resident of Nyabubare in Bushenyi district said power connection will save them from high cost of paraffin and 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 Otafire, district leaders and the contractor Sankalpa Weerasinghe among others