The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has been challenged to explain why some parts of Bukomansimbi are still without electricity.
The Member of Parliament representing Bukomansimbi South, Geoffrey Kayemba Ssolo says areas such as Kyasamula, Kasembwera, Kiryasaaka, Kinoni and other areas have never had electricity.
Kayemba who raised this as a matter of national importance during parliament’s plenary session says lack of electricity has hindered the development of such areas despite continuous reminders made to the Energy Ministry.
However, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said that the Government is considering and working on the issue of electrification in Bukomansimbi and other rural areas around the country.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) which was mandated with extending electricity to rural areas in the country in line with the Rural Electrification Strategy and Plan was one of the first agencies to be affected by the move by the Government to merge some agencies to reduce its expenditure.
Consequently, REA became a department under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in 2021 unlike before when it was autonomous with its own budget.
This move many critics claim affected the projects REA initially undertook which in turn affected the extension of electricity to many rural areas across the country.
By Charles Katabalwa
20th Sept 2024
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