Before I go deep into criticising the State Minister for Energy Development, Hon. Sidronius Okasai Opolot, I would first like to understand where the problem is. Is the Ministry too big for you to handle, or is there something else that is affecting service delivery?
I am writing this not out of bias or witch-hunting. I am entitled to my opinion, and as a fellow Iteso, I can assure you that your performance has left many of us disappointed. We expected that when an appointment opportunity fell to our region, there would be many advantages and that the region would also benefit from it.
Unfortunately, ever since you were appointed to the energy docket, it appears that some of the critical issues affecting our communities have not received the attention they deserve.
I want to join Dr. Isamat, the Member of Parliament for Kapir County, who raised concern that he cannot comfortably be your neighbour when his constituency still lacks electricity.
This situation is not unique to Kapir. Many areas across Teso and other parts of the country are still struggling with inadequate access to electricity.
If you are not aware, let me take you to Serere District. In Serere County, areas such as Okulonyo, Kamurojo and Kelim in Kyere Sub-county, as well as other parts of Kateta Sub-county, still have communities without electricity.
Yet there is a presidential directive that trading centres should be connected to rural electricity. My question is: what has happened to this directive?
Extending electricity to these communities would not only improve household welfare but could also help reduce environmental degradation, as more families would have access to electricity for cooking and other domestic needs.
It would also create opportunities for young people who have trained in welding, hairdressing and other vocational skills but cannot operate their businesses effectively because of the lack of reliable electricity.
This is not blackmail. These are genuine concerns that require urgent attention. I would therefore like to challenge you to visit these areas yourself and see the situation on the ground. If you do not have the right glasses to see the problems facing our people, we are ready to provide them for you.
The President has repeatedly emphasised the need for leaders to work tirelessly to improve service delivery. Therefore, Hon. Okasai, I would like to advise that your performance in the energy ministry needs to be critically assessed, particularly regarding electricity access in underserved communities.
Mr. President, I am writing this as one of your Bazzukulu. I want to make it clear that these concerns are not being raised by the opposition to undermine your government. Sometimes, the greatest challenge to a government can come from within when appointed officials fail to deliver services that would earn the government the appreciation and support of local communities.
The people of Teso and other underserved areas deserve reliable electricity, and they deserve to see government directives translated into tangible services.
Hon. Okasai, the question remains: Where is the problem?
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
