Lango MPs demand action on electricity shortages

14 August 2026, 10:02 am

By Dickens Aruca

Members of Parliament from the Lango Sub-region have raised concerns over limited access to electricity, stalled rural electrification projects and frequent power outages affecting communities across the region.

The concerns were raised during Thursday’s parliamentary sitting on 13 August 2026, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, where MPs debated the state of rural electrification in the country. They highlighted low electricity connectivity, delayed projects, unreliable power supply and the economic cost of communities remaining without electricity.

The Member of Parliament for Kyoga North Constituency in Amolatar District, Geoffrey Ocen Kiring, told Parliament that limited electricity supply continues to affect service delivery in his constituency, particularly in health facilities.

Ocen Kiring cited Anamwany Health Centre III as one of the government health facilities operating without electricity, despite electric poles and power lines running along the main road.

He said the lack of reliable electricity is among the major challenges affecting health service delivery to residents of Amolatar District.

Meanwhile, Otuke County MP Paul Omara said residents in his constituency have been waiting for the rural electrification promised during the 11th Parliament.

Omara said the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development previously sent a technical team to his constituency to assess areas for electricity extension. Residents were assured that power poles would be supplied, but the project has not been implemented.

He said residents continue to ask when the technical team will return, particularly following the 2026 elections, and appealed to the government to fulfil its commitment to extending electricity to underserved communities.

The Apac District Woman MP, Betty Engola Awor, also raised concerns over persistent power outages in the district, saying the unreliable electricity supply is negatively affecting businesses.

Awor called on the government to find a lasting solution to the power challenges, particularly in areas where businesses depend on electricity for their operations.

The Lango legislators called for accelerated rural electrification and a reliable power supply, saying access to electricity is essential for improving health services, supporting businesses, creating employment opportunities and accelerating socio-economic development in the region.