KIKUUBE, August 30, 2024 – Farmers in Kikuube district are expressing frustration over the delayed connection of electricity in many parts of the area, which they argue is hindering their ability to engage in value addition initiatives.
Many sub-counties in the district are without electricity, causing farmers to sell their agricultural produce in its raw form instead of processing it for higher value.
Olivia Tumusiume, a maize farmer and Kikuube District Councilor for Kyangwali, voiced concerns about how the absence of power has rendered several agricultural processing machines redundant.
Tumusiume noted that Action Against Hunger, an organisation working with refugees, constructed storage facilities and installed maize milling machines for the Kikora and Mahamba Farmers’ Cooperative Society in 2018. However, these facilities have yet to process even a kilogramme of maize due to the lack of electricity.
The organisation had initially aimed to empower host communities to supply food to the refugee camp. However, the lack of power has thwarted this goal. Tumusiume mentioned that while the cooperative agreed to fund the power connection, the cost proved prohibitive for the farmers.
Emmanuel Bisemeza, the Kyangwali Sub-county chairman and a maize and coffee farmer, described the lack of electricity as a significant setback for regional development. He expressed disappointment that while electricity was extended to Kyangwali refugee camp areas, many surrounding villages within the host community remain without power.
Bisemeza highlighted that numerous petitions to the government for power connection have gone unanswered, stalling local businesses that require electricity, such as welding and salon services, and impeding overall development in the area.
Florence Natumanya, the Kikuube District Woman Member of Parliament, emphasised that the electricity deficit is not only affecting farmers but also deterring potential investors.
The MP pointed out that many sub-counties, despite having growing trading centers and town boards, are stifled by the lack of electricity. She questioned how so many villages were overlooked in the rural electrification program.
Natumanya also noted that the recent oil discoveries in the region have attracted businesses that need electricity, yet local residents are unable to capitalise on these opportunities due to the power shortage.
She urged the government to prioritise extending electricity to the area to promote value addition and support the establishment of small-scale industries.
“There is no way farmers can pursue value addition of their products without power,” Natumanya said. “We request the government to expedite the process of connecting power to the areas that currently lack it.”
Recently, Prime Minister Robbinah Nabbbanja, during a visit to Kikuube district , pledged to raise the issue with the Ministry of Energy to ensure the district gets more electricity connections.
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