KABALE-Residents of Kasinde and Mutaaba villages in Mwendo Parish, Kitumba Subcounty, Kabale District, have raised concern over the continued lack of electricity in their area, saying it has forced them to incur high costs to access basic services such as phone charging and hair shaving.
The concerns were raised during a campaign visit by Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament aspirant on an independent ticket, Grace Ankunda Bwesigye, who was canvassing for votes in Kitumba Subcounty, Ndorwa County West.
In interviews with our reporter, residents including Johnson Aharikundira from Mutaaba Cell and Vian Byamugisha and Evas Niwagaba from Kasinde Cell said the absence of electricity has greatly affected their livelihoods. They noted that despite repeated promises by leaders to extend power to the area, no progress has been made.
“We have been promised electricity for many years, but nothing has been done. What hurts us most is that we are very close to Kabale Municipality, yet we still live in darkness,” Aharikundira said.
The residents explained that due to the lack of power, they are forced to walk long distances to nearby trading centres to charge their phones and access other basic services, which increases their daily expenses.
“We spend a lot of money just charging phones and shaving. If we had electricity, we would open small businesses like salons and charging stations, which would help us earn income and employ the youth,” said Byamugisha.
Responding to the concerns, Grace Ankunda Bwesigye pledged to lobby for the extension of electricity to underserved rural areas if elected to Parliament.
“Electricity is not a luxury; it is a necessity for development. If entrusted with leadership, I will prioritize lobbying for power extension to areas like Mwendo that have been neglected for a long time,” Ankunda said.
She also urged voters to elect leaders who are committed to addressing real challenges affecting communities rather than making empty promises.
“People deserve leaders who will follow up on their commitments and deliver tangible results,” she added.
Residents expressed hope that improved access to electricity would boost economic activity, create employment opportunities for the youth, and improve the overall standard of living in the area.
