BUVUMA DISTRICT: The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has announced plans to extend electricity to Buvuma Island through a two-phase project involving solar power and an undersea electricity cable from Mayuge District.
President Museveni made the announcement while addressing a campaign rally at Kadinindi Playground in Buvuma District. He said the first phase will involve the installation of a solar mini-grid, which is expected to be operational within six months. The second phase will involve transmitting power via undersea cables, expected to be completed within one year.
Buvuma Island is among the two districts in Uganda that currently have no access to electricity.
The President directed the Ministry of Energy to immediately implement the project, noting that mini power stations have already been confirmed for towns on the island to ensure gradual electricity distribution to all villages.
In addition to electricity, President Museveni announced plans to construct main tarmac road across Buvuma Island to improve mobility and support socio-economic development. He noted that although the district is geographically small, it deserves at least one major tarmacked road, adding that construction works will commence soon.
On water and sanitation, the President pledged to scale up access to clean and safe water beyond the current 53 percent coverage. He said Buvuma District has 213 villages, of which 112 currently have access to safe water. Ongoing piped water projects were cited in Namatale and Lyabalume, while Lwajje has already been mapped and is under construction.
He further highlighted repairs of boreholes done in areas including Namunyoro, Masatu, Nakiwande, Kibbo, Sesse, Mpolwe, Lukoma, Buyego, and Buyiri. Additional solar-powered water projects are planned for Bugaya, Lubya, Lwajje, Lyabana, Dembe, Kiwololo, Zinga, and Kiganda, among others.
During the rally, President Museveni and residents of Buvuma Island resolved to adopt strategies aimed at preserving Lake Victoria and sustaining fisheries. Proposed measures include banning fishing in breeding areas and regulating the fishing population.
The President noted that reckless fishing practices had previously depleted fish stocks but emphasized that fishing communities must now take the lead in managing and protecting the lake. He also pledged government support for commercial fish farming by establishing community fish ponds to reduce pressure on the lake.
In the health sector, President Museveni granted Buvuma District a district hospital through the upgrade of Buvuma Health Centre IV. He also announced the elevation of several health facilities to meet the growing health needs of the island’s population.
In education, the President promised to establish additional government-aided primary and secondary schools. Currently, Buvuma District has 20 government primary schools and 64 private primary schools, as well as two government secondary schools and five private secondary schools.
