'Keep politics out of development projects'

By Francis Emorut                                                   

NAMAYINGO - The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Wafula Oguttu, has warned fellow opposition politicians against opposing development projects initiated by government.

He has called them on to learn to keep politics out of development projects and be united to develop the country.

An avowed critic of government at the time he was FDC’s spokesman, Oguttu this time round hailed the government of Uganda and that of Japan for spearheading the rural electrification project in the country.

“I do appreciate the two governments for supporting the rural communities in terms of the rural electrification project. To develop a country we don’t need politicking – whether you are in opposition or not. We should be united for development,” he recently told residents of Namayingo.

He was speaking at Namayingo district headquarters during the launch of the Rural Electrification Project Phase III to benefit the communities of the eastern region.
 

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Oguttu shakes hands with Japanese amabassador to Uganda Junzo Fujita. PHOTO/Francis Emorut

The Japanese ambassador to Uganda Junzo Fujita and the state minister of energy Simon U’jang attended the launch, together with energy officials and area residents.

The opposition leader also called on government to consider spreading solar energy throughout the country.

The Rural Electrification Project Phase III is being funded by the Japanese government to a tune of $12m (about sh31.2b).

The project will benefit five districts including Mayuge, Busia, Bugiri, Namayingo and Iganga.

It will be implemented by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the contractor is Yachiyo Engineering Company Limited.

JICA chief representative, Dr. Hoshi Hirofumi said the launch of the project signifies another milestone in the extension of electricity supply to rural communities in Uganda.
 

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JICA chief representative, Dr. Hoshi Hirofumi makes his remarks. PHOTO/Francis Emorut

Oguttu’s remarks seemed to have excited Minister D'Ujang.

“I am pleased to hear from the Leader of Opposition in Parliament emphasizing development and praising government. The money in Bank of Uganda is for the people of Uganda and is in the good hands of the NRM Government,” he said.

The minister went on to appeal to the communities to support the project and not to chase away the contractor.
 

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A heap of electricity poles at Namayingo district headquarters. The electrification project is expected to be complete by 2015. PHOTO/Francis Emorut

On his part Ambassador Fujita told guests that the project is intended to improve the quality of life of Ugandans.

The , Dr. Hoshi Hirofumi, said the project is a landmark for the agency in extending electricity supply to rural communities in Uganda.

The executive director of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Godfrey Turyahikayo, said the procurement process was handled in a transparent manner, with the completion of the project expected in July 2015.