The church in Kamwenge district has taken on the task of providing electricity for its people. On Sunday the East Rwenzori Diocese launched a fundraising drive to install power cables from Kamwenge town to the diocesan headquarters located half a kilometer away.
Kamwege is one of several districts in Uganda that still has no access to electricity. Electricity is available for some residents of the town, but for the most part houses fall dark at nightfall. Outside of the town, electricity is even scarcer. People there rely on solar electricity, paraffin lamps or generators to light their homes.
Bishop Edward Bamucwanira told congregants at St. Stephen's Cathedral that the power extension project would not only supply the diocese, but those living within its immediate radius. He challenged them to give to the project as their way of thanking God for his provision.
30 million shillings must be raised to take electricity to East Rwenzori Diocese.
Following the power extension appeal, several donations started coming in. It is hoped that the electricity will reach the diocese headquarters by the end of the year.
The Kamwenge electrification project is part of government's Rural Electrification Program. Government has also signed a deal for the construction of an 18 megawatt hydropower dam on River Mpanga to connect outlying sub-counties in the district.
