KANUNGU, Uganda – Kanungu District Deputy LC5 Chairman Hon. Rukundo Joshua has called for increased investment in information and communication technology services, improved electricity supply and better distribution of agricultural inputs in the district.
Rukundo made the remarks Monday during the Kigezi Regional Development Plan meeting organised by the National Planning Authority at the Kanungu District Council Hall.
He called for the establishment of ICT hubs in every district and increased deployment of ICT officers at the town council and sub-county levels to bring digital services closer to communities.
Rukundo said Kanungu, with a population of more than 300,000 people, has only one ICT officer at the district level, forcing residents to travel long distances to access some digital services.
He said expanding ICT services would also support the implementation of the Parish Development Model, which requires communities to access various government services.
Rukundo also asked the government to consider upgrading Kambuga Hospital to a regional referral hospital, saying this would improve access to specialised health services in the area.
On agriculture, he called for better mapping and research to guide the distribution of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs.
He questioned the allocation of about 1,000 bags of fertilizer to a district with approximately 60,000 coffee farmers, saying available data should be used to guide resource allocation.
“We already have the data. We know the number of farmers we have. What we need is proper planning and evidence-based distribution,” Rukundo said.
He further called for a deliberate plan to stabilise electricity supply in Kigezi, saying the region has experienced power challenges for years.
Rukundo said Kanungu has a substation that is currently not functioning and urged authorities to address the issue and provide a lasting solution to unreliable power supply.
The Kigezi Regional Development Plan consultations are bringing together local government leaders and other stakeholders to identify development priorities and challenges affecting the region.
