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 given by James Kaberuka Ruugi Niringiyimana, a local MP who has been aggressively fighting for a power connection for the facility since it opened last December.
Following ongoing efforts and interaction with key stakeholders, MP Kaberuka revealed that the Ministry of Energy has directed the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to provide electricity to the Mpungu Tea Factory by December 31, 2024.
This direction was made in a letter dated October 25, 2024, by Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, written to the Managing Director Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, requesting that UEDCL expedite the project before December.
This decision comes after a series of budget talks in Parliament and concerted efforts by local authorities to provide the necessary service to the factory, which has been functioning without a direct power source since its inception.
“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, who also mentioned that many more projects were in the works. “As your leaders, we are not sitting around. With your help, we will continue to advocate for more projects and services to improve our community.” Kaberuka was added!
The factory’s power connection is projected to stimulate local economic growth by increasing production capacity and efficiency in 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.
