The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has launched the long-delayed powerline extension project in Rukungiri District, a development that is expected to significantly boost electricity access and stimulate economic growth in the sub-counties of Buhunga, Ruhunda, and Nyakagyeme.
The project, funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, was originally introduced in 2013 as part of a nationwide effort to expand electricity to rural households.
However, despite its promising start, the initiative in Rukungiri stalled after the initial contractor abandoned the works, leaving electric poles standing for years without any wiring sparking public frustration and political finger-pointing.
“They always said the electric poles would remain there without wires. That changes now. The Minister of Energy is here and electricity is coming,” the minister for security and MP for Rujumbura County, Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi saiid.
The abandoned infrastructure had become a symbol of broken promises for residents, many of whom believed the poles were erected to mislead them into thinking progress was being made.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa reassured locals that the wait was over.
“These poles have been up for long, as if the devil thought it had won. But today, electricity is coming,” she said.
The new phase of the project, which is funded by the Kuwait Fund, will include the installation of wiring and transformers to ensure a reliable and consistent power supply. The extension is expected to cover over 54 kilometers across the three sub-counties and is anticipated to be completed within the next 12 months.
Patience Letho, the Assistant Commissioner for Communications at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, confirmed that the project’s revitalization would provide power to sub-county headquarters, government secondary schools, health facilities, and trading centers, as well as households in these areas.
The project has been met with optimism, as locals look forward to the opportunities electricity will bring, especially for businesses, schools, and healthcare.
