Residents of Maziba Sub-county in Kabale District have voiced their frustration over persistent power outages, despite the presence of the Maziba mini hydro power station in their area. The issue was brought to light during a ceremony for a piggery project donation by Kabale District Woman MP, Hon. Atwakiire Catherine Ndamira, at Omukagana Primary School in Birambo Parish.
Leading the outcry, Kapeere Justus, the Local Council 2 Chairman of Birambo Parish, highlighted the plight of Birambo, Kavu, and Kagweru parishes. These areas, though neighboring the hydro power station, remain without electricity connections.
Kapeere emphasized the financial burden residents face, such as high transportation costs for metallic doors that could otherwise be welded locally. He also expressed concern over students’ academic performance suffering due to the lack of electricity.
“The absence of power is not only a financial strain but also a significant setback for our children’s education,” Kapeere stated.
CUE IN………KAPEERE ON ELECTRICTY//RR//
The power issues have also had a severe impact on the Maziba Wine Producing Factory. This facility, inaugurated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in June 2015, processes pineapples under the supervision of the Uganda Industrial Research Institute and employs over 100 youth. However, due to frequent power outages and low voltage, the factory’s output has plummeted from 6,000 liters of wine per day to just 2,000 liters.
Kemani Robert, Chairman of the Wine Producing Factory, expressed grave concerns over the factory’s future. “If the power situation doesn’t improve, we might have to shut down operations, leaving many without jobs,” he warned.
CUE IN………KEMANI ROBERT//RR//
In response to these grievances, Hon Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira the Woman MP for Kabale District pledged to continue advocating for better infrastructure. She assured residents that she would bring the electricity issue to the attention of the government, both locally and nationally.
“I understand your frustrations and the significant impact these power outages have on your daily lives and economic activities. I will persistently lobby for electricity connections until this issue is resolved,” Atwakiire promised.
CUE IN……….HON NDAMIRA ON ELECTRICITY AND FACTORY //RR//
The piggery project donation is part of her broader initiative to empower locals economically, ensuring they have the means to pay for utilities once full electrical connectivity is achieved.
As the residents await government action, the call for immediate and sustainable solutions to the power problems in Maziba Sub-county grows louder, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure development in rural Uganda.
ENDS////
