MP Songa calls for inclusion of greater Nebbi in World Bank funded projects

By Andrew Cohen Amvesi              

PARLIAMENT. Songa Lawrence Biyika, the Member of Parliament (MP) representing Ora County in Zombo District has demanded for the inclusion of refugee-impacted areas such as the greater Nebbi in World Bank funded projects.

Speaking during a Parliamentary session on August 14, 2024, Songa said the districts of Zombo, Nebbi and Pakwach which form the greater Nebbi should be prioritized in all World Bank funded projects including infrastructure and socio-economic development initiatives.

He argued that the said districts have hosted refugees for decades either as refugee reception centres or communities incorporating refugees in their homestead but without UNHCR and the World Bank considering them as refugee impacted areas.

As a result, Songa noted that the districts have not benefited from any refugee-hosting World Bank programs, particularly in infrastructure development.

On the other hand, Songa who has served as the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change for the last five years has also consistently advocated for his region’s connection to the national grid.

While commending the NRM Government for connecting the region to the national electricity grid after a century-long wait, Songa pressed the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nakanbirwa to speed up upgrading the existing electricity lines, complete the payments of project affected persons (PAPs), finish the Nyagak III (6.6MW) power station and develop solar plants to complete the West Nile energy mix.

The former Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, also the immediate former Chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus stressed the need for electrification in rural areas through installation of numerous electricity transformers in villages for reliable, strong and industrial-grade power.

He equally observed that there is critical need for clean energy initiatives particularly, clean cooking and lighting to combat indoor air pollution which is claiming the lives of mothers, girls, and children under five.

“I would like to appeal to the ministry to accelerate efforts in this area by promoting clean energy initiatives, clean cooking and lighting to save lives and money,” Songa stressed.

On Uganda’s Electricity Credit Capitalization (UECCC), Songa emphasized the need for affordable interest rates and corruption-free implementation.

In response, Minister Nakanbirwa assured that the recently commissioned national grid in West Nile will address the region’s long-standing struggle with erratic power supply.

However, Songa’s demands underscores the urgency of addressing the unique challenges faced by refugee-impacted areas and the need for inclusive development initiatives.