Kinkizi West, Uganda.
In a major development for the people of Kinkizi West, the Mpungu Tea Factory is set to receive electricity by the end of December 2024. The announcement was made by area MP, James Kaberuka Ruugi Niringiyimana, who has been actively lobbying to secure a power connection for the factory since its inauguration last December.
Following continuous efforts and engagement with key stakeholders, MP Kaberuka confirmed that the Ministry of Energy has directed the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to extend electricity to Mpungu Tea Factory by December 31, 2024.
This directive was issued in a letter dated 25th Oct 2024 by Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development addressed to the Managing Director Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited asking UEDCL to Fast track the said project before December.
This decision follows a series of budget discussions in Parliament and coordinated efforts by local leaders to bring the essential service to the factory, which has been operating without a direct power source since its launch.
“I want to thank the people of Buremba, Kibaba, and Mpungu for their patience and resilience as we worked to make this happen,” said MP Kaberuka he added that many more projects were in the pipeline. “As your leaders, we aren’t sitting idle. With your support, we will keep lobbying for more projects and services to uplift our community.” Kaberuka added!
The factory’s power connection is expected to boost local economic growth by improving the production capacity and efficiency of tea processing. This achievement comes as a result of MP Kaberuka’s proactive approach to address key infrastructure needs, which he also emphasized during the recent launch of the Mpungu Gravity Scheme.
The promise of electricity is a step forward for the community, which relies heavily on tea farming as a primary economic activity. With the factory set to be fully operational by early next year, local tea farmers anticipate increased job opportunities, higher productivity, and improved income levels.
This development is seen as a positive sign for the people of Kinkizi West, and MP Kaberuka has reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for further infrastructure projects in the region.
