By Richard Golooba
As West Nile prepares itself for the connection to the national grid, as promised by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Energy, the latest information indicates that the Project Affected Persons in West Districts of Pakwach, Nebbi, Arua District, and City have come to terms with the ministry to give leeway for the few towers to be erected on land which has issues to sort out.
In a meeting held on Thursday 7th, March 2024, at ministry headquarters, with a section of Members of Parliament from West Nile, Hon Atima Jackson Lee Buti, MP Arua Central Division, and Government regional whip, Hon Oguzu Lee, MP Maracha County, Hon Okumu Gabriel, MP Okoro County and Hon Etuka Isaac, MP Upper Madi alongside officials from Center for Research and Sustainable Solutions contracted to undertake livelihood restoration program for vulnerable households and community development plan (CDAP) initiatives, Minister of State for Energy Hon Okaasai Opolot has expressed gratitude to all MPs for the tireless support towards the realization of the project.
“On behalf of my senior minister and all colleagues, along with all our staff under all the implementing agencies and contractors, I take the honor to appreciate all our MPs from West Nile, the Parliament of Uganda, the local leaders, and the communities for the support towards the realization of this project for connection of West Nile to the national grid, you have really pushed us positively, we also salute our people who were affected by the project and have finally given us leeway to complete the project, especially in West Nile. I also appreciate the continuous guidance of His Excellency President Museveni, who is the bearer of this mega dream and finally, it’s taking effect” noted Minister Opolot.
The MPs noted with great concern the delayed implementation of the livelihood restoration program within the West Nile region where Ayivu Division had approved the upgrade of the access road from Muni Trading Center to Wako Bridge with first class murram, construction of the Wako Bridge using standard class culverts and a borehole at Nyio village. In Ajia sub-county, there is a construction of three (3) units of two (2) bedroomed teachers’ quarters and provision of forty-three (43) twin desks accommodating three (3) pupils, and in Arivu Sub-county fencing of Bondo Health Center IV, and many others in Pakwach and Nebbi. The delay may affect the final implementation and commissioning.
“We want to task Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) to explain to us and the people of West Nile, why there is this delay, is it a funding issue or deliberately done to frustrate the people who have passionately waited for this connection to the national grid. Our people are investing and preparing themselves to use the bulk power, setting up industries, hotels, etc, and already employing our youth, and some where getting frustrated, we will not accept that, let them expedite the process along the entire transmission line from Kole, Gulu, Nwoya, Pakwach, Nebbi through to Arua under this program of livelihood restoration program”
The PAPs are set to meet with the Minister to finalize the documents for the leeway.
