90% of Butaleja Rural Households Assured of Free Electricity.
By Ambrose Wanagoli.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has announced plans to extend electricity to rural communities across Butaleja District under a World Bank-supported rural electrification project set to begin in 2027.
The one-year programme is expected to benefit at least 90 per cent of rural households in the district, with most eligible residents receiving electricity connections free of charge.
A team of engineers from the ministry on Thursday met district leaders in Butaleja to outline the implementation strategy and reassure officials that the project would significantly increase electricity access in rural areas.
During the meeting, a Grievance Handling Committee was established to coordinate the implementation of the project and address concerns raised by beneficiaries.
The committee will be chaired by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and deputised by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC).
Speaking on behalf of the Butaleja Chief Administrative Officer, Principal Assistant Secretary Apollo Hibombo said the committee would help resolve complaints related to electricity installation and compensation.
“We formed a Grievance Handling Committee to help ascertain the challenges of power consumers. We shall be able to solve the queries of compensation,” Hibombo said.
He added that similar committees would also be established at sub-county and village levels to ensure smooth implementation of the project.
Hibombo explained that electricity installation would be provided free of charge to households located within 90 metres of the nearest electricity pole. Those beyond that distance will be required to pay Shs23,000 for connection.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Erisama Kasibini urged residents to embrace the government’s rural electrification programme and use electricity to improve their livelihoods.
He encouraged beneficiaries to invest in income-generating activities such as salons, grain milling machines, and refrigeration businesses once connected to the national grid.
Kasibini also cautioned residents against engaging in illegal electricity connections, warning that security agencies, together with the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), would crack down on offenders across the district.
According to a recent assessment, fewer than 60 per cent of households in Butaleja District currently have access to electricity, highlighting the need for expanded rural electrification
