By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
RUKUNGIRI
The race for Rubabo constituency has taken a controversial turn as NRM flag bearer Mathias Rwabugumi faces backlash over his alleged involvement with Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) staff in Rukungiri, purportedly to lobby for new electricity transformers. Critics argue the move was a calculated political stunt, given that the Ministry of Energy had already mapped out transformer distribution plans nationwide.
Rwabugumi’s actions have sparked outrage among rival campaign teams, with Simon Aijuka, a mobilizer on Bob Rugonde’s campaign, branding him a “serial liar.” Aijuka expressed deep disappointment in the electorate, saying, “Rubabo has been attacked by wolves. People must flee from those who pretend to be goats in wolves’ skin.” His remarks suggest that Rwabugumi is misleading voters by taking credit for government initiatives already in motion.
The controversy comes just days after Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa announced sweeping upgrades to Uganda’s electricity infrastructure. Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Hon. Nankabirwa revealed that the government is actively installing 518 new transformers and replacing 206 faulty ones. She emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader national strategy to meet the country’s growing electricity demand, which is rising at 10% annually.
Among the achievements since UEDCL took over from Umeme:Kakiri substation capacity doubled to 20MW, Kabale and Masaka substations expanded, Over 140,000 new customers connected, Nine substations undergoing refurbishment, Expansion of 40 MV lines and Local sourcing under the BUBU (Buy Uganda Build Uganda) policy.
Despite the backlash, Rwabugumi’s camp remains defiant. Brian Tumukunde, a mobilizer on his team, defended the candidate’s actions, stating, “Resources have never been enough. Lobbying is the only way to go. Rwabugumi’s way of work is what Rubabo needs.”
However, critics argue that lobbying for resources already allocated by the ministry is misleading and undermines the transparency of government programs. As contestants continue to pose with newly installed transformers, the line between genuine advocacy and political opportunism grows increasingly blurred.
With the campaign trail heating up, Rubabo voters are left to decide whether Rwabugumi’s actions reflect proactive leadership or political theatrics.
