Mbale, Uganda: Residents of Busoba Parish in Mbale District’s Bungokho Central Constituency have renewed demands for urgent government intervention to replace a broken transformer that has left their communities in darkness for nearly a year.
The transformer at Bamusakata Trading Centre in Tsekele Village failed in August 2024, plunging several villages of Bumwalye, Tsekele, Kamuli, Sira, and Lwakha into a persistent blackout that has disrupted livelihoods and crippled small businesses.
Disgruntled residents voiced their frustrations on Friday during rallies convened by NRM parliamentary flagbearer hopeful George Wamono at Bamusakata and Mabole Trading Centres, ahead of the party’s primaries slated for 16th July 2025.
Kakayi Gladia, a resident, accused incumbent MP Wanda Richard of failing to lobby for their needs. “We are reaching out to MP hopeful Wamono because he has already exhibited exemplary leadership by delivering on promises even before winning the NRM ticket,” she said.
Ms. Mutuwa Brenda of Sira Village echoed similar concerns, warning against opportunistic politicians. “It is at times like this that many masquerade in the hunt for votes but never return. This time, we want persistent, selfless, and committed leaders who are not only after votes but ready to support us regardless of the result,” she said.
Addressing the gatherings, George Wamono, Founder and CEO of Ecolite Minerals Uganda Limited and a former Namekera Vermiculite Mines employee, promised that restoring power in the affected areas would be a priority.
“I’m not in this race as a gamble for survival in Parliament. I have worked near home for 15 years. I am giving help that I can deliver, however small, and not hot air,” Wamono said.
He revealed he had already engaged the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) Area Manager for Mbale and started the process to replace the transformer, adding that reliable power is essential for community vibrancy and economic progress.
Wamono is contesting the NRM ticket against former NRM District Chairman Muhammood Masaba Mutenyu, ex-Minister Michael Werikhe Gafabusa, incumbent MP Wanda Richard, Muleyi Steven, and Khotsa Robert Wambede.
Earlier in the day, Wamono addressed parents and teachers at Namatsale Primary School in Bunapongo Upper Village, Bubirabi Subcounty, urging them to prioritise their children’s education and reject leaders who belittle educated professionals.
He pledged UGX 1.2 million towards renovating the school and handed over UGX 300,000 in cash to support school management.
Wamono also donated public address speakers to Masjid Akusa Mosque, four spray pumps to local farmers, and three footballs to youths in Bunapongo Upper Village. In Nabumali Trading Centre, he purchased more than 10 electricity poles to support the extension of power to surrounding villages.
“The government is responsible for roads, schools, and hospitals, but it doesn’t have all the money to cover everything at once. That is why, where we can mobilize and deliver, we come in,” he said.
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