Rukungiri Powerline Extension Project Relaunched After Years of Delay

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has launched the long-delayed powerline extension project in Rukungiri District, a development that is expected to significantly boost electricity access and stimulate economic growth in the sub-counties of Buhunga, Ruhunda, and Nyakagyeme.

The project, funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, was originally introduced in 2013 as part of a nationwide effort to expand electricity to rural households.

However, despite its promising start, the initiative in Rukungiri stalled after the initial contractor abandoned the works, leaving electric poles standing for years without any wiring—sparking public frustration and political finger-pointing.

“They always said the electric poles would remain there without wires. That changes now. The Minister of Energy is here and electricity is coming,” said Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, the minister for security and MP for Rujumbura County.

The abandoned infrastructure had become a symbol of broken promises for residents, many of whom believed the poles were erected to mislead them into thinking progress was being made.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa reassured locals that the wait was over. “These poles have been up for long, as if the devil thought it had won.

But today, we are here to confirm that these poles will finally get wires—and you will get electricity,” she said during the launch event.

Gen Muhwezi blamed political opponents for misrepresenting the situation, noting that the delays were due to the contractor’s failure, not changes in leadership.

“The project came in 2020 and this is 2025. When the contractor left the site, our opponents started saying the project ended because they left office. That was false. The contractor simply failed,” he said.

“Now that the project is back on track, we urge residents to embrace electricity for development—whether for salons, welding, or other enterprises.”

The event, held in Kihanga Parish, Buhunga Sub-county, was marked by visible relief and excitement among locals.

Residents in Ruhunda and Nyakagyeme Sub-counties also welcomed the news with optimism.

The Ministry confirmed that the remaining work will be executed by City Harvest Electrical Installation, Supply and Repairs Limited, the company now officially contracted to complete the project and deliver electricity to the affected areas.

In addition to Rukungiri, the Kuwait Fund has extended its electrification support to other underserved districts including Mitooma, demonstrating a broader regional strategy to improve rural energy access in western Uganda.

Officials say the powerline project is a critical part of the government’s rural transformation agenda and will pave the way for improved service delivery, small business growth, and better living conditions for thousands of households once complete.