Despite being located less than 7kms from the flourishing Gulu City, Unyama sub county residents live in darkness due to lack of connectivity to the national power grid.
The residents who spent the whole of Wednesday in darkness held a meeting attended by officials from Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, UEDCL, a government company charged with distributing power across the country.
The residents say they’re unable to add value to their agricultural produce or operate electronic appliances.
Justine Kidega, the LCIII Chairperson Unyama sub county while speaking at the meeting said electricity is not a luxury but rather a basic need to development and growth of the Sub County.
He urges UEDCL to accelerate connection of power to households, schools and businesses in the sub county.
He explains that the absence of electricity is frustrating former students or Oding skilling hub saying they’re unable to utilize their skills in welding.
He also notes that trading centers like Te-mitam, Pabit, Agung, Olano, Loyoboo, Coopil and Kidere have stagnated in development because of lack of electricity.
UEDCL however in response says it’s the ministry of energy and mineral development that is mandated with directing where electricity should be connected.
By Justine Muboka
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