Joy as Hoima villages are connected to electricity
HOIMA, February , 9, 2025 — Residents, predominantly farmers, in the villages of Kitoba Sub-county, Hoima district, are overjoyed following the connection of electricity to their areas.
Eng. Samuel Magezi, the UMEME Project Investments Manager, explained that the connection of two villages of Mbiiwe and Kyanguhira, was carried out under the Capex Investment Programme at a cost of Shs 515 million.
He stated that during the two-month project, two transformers were installed, power lines and poles were set up, and over 200 households were connected to the electricity grid.
Magezi pointed out that the project was initiated by David Bwona Nyakoojo, a resident of Mbiiwe, who had started the process of bringing electricity to the area from Pinda, along the Hoima-Biiso Road but was unable to complete it. The project was halted at Kiseke village in Kitoba Sub-county.
“This project was influenced by David Bwona Nyakoojo, who wrote to the UMEME Managing Director. Following his request, surveyors were sent to the area, surveyed the site, compiled a report, and made a cost estimate. The report and costings were submitted to the Electricity Regulatory Authority and were approved. This is how the project came to fruition,” he said.
He also explained that the funds used to implement the project are part of the money the government will pay to UMEME, which is set to exit and hand over operations next month.
Julius Byaruhanga, the Chairperson of Kyanguhira village, stated that the connection of electricity to their villages will significantly influence the area’s development.
He highlighted that the provision of electricity would enable locals to start small-scale businesses such as welding, hair salons, popcorn production, and bars, among others.
“Some people have been eager to start such businesses but were held back by the lack of electricity. Now that this challenge has been addressed, we will witness a boom in local businesses,” he said.
He added that the previous lack of electricity had been a significant obstacle, as many people could not afford solar power, and those who relied on candles faced significant risks. “This problem has now been resolved, and we are grateful to the government for thinking about our villages,” he said.
Benita Murungi, a resident of Mbiiwe village, expressed immense relief at the connection of electricity, noting that no electricity had ever been supplied to the area in her lifetime.
She pointed out that the arrival of electricity would boost the value addition of agricultural produce, particularly maize, cassava, and coffee.
“With electricity, agricultural processing machines will be set up in the area. Due to rising fuel prices, no one had been considering such investments before. Now, with power, we can also enjoy cold drinks,” she added.
Murungi explained that while some wealthier residents had used solar power to light their homes, the cost of replacing solar batteries every month had been prohibitive. “We often had to resort to candles, which was both inconvenient and dangerous. I’m thrilled this will soon be a thing of the past,” she said.
David Bwona Nyakoojo, a resident of Mbiiwe and owner of Canan Country Home, commended the government for extending power to the area.
He recalled that he had initially started the process of connecting electricity but was unable to continue due to the high costs involved.
“It has been very costly to run businesses here. We’ve been using a generator to power the hotel, but as you know, fuel costs are high, and our bills were overwhelming. I’m very happy this problem will soon be behind us,” he said.
During the project’s commissioning on Friday, Kikuube District Resident Commissioner Amlan Tumusiime praised Byona Nyakoojo for his efforts in lobbying for electricity in the area, noting that without his determination, the area would have continued to suffer.
He remarked that many areas in the district are underdeveloped due to a lack of power, despite such projects being available. “They only need someone to advocate for them,” he said.
Tumusiime urged the residents to not only use the electricity to light their homes but also to use it as a means to start businesses that will help them lift themselves out of poverty.
He concluded by stating that the provision of electricity will facilitate the region’s development, provided residents utilise it profitably by starting small businesses such as welding, salons, popcorn production, and selling drinks.
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