Oyam business community threatens protest over persistent power blackout

13 January 2025, 4:30 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

According to protest organiser Stalon Olong, Chairperson of the business community in Oyam town council, the march is scheduled to take place on 15th January 2025. The protesters will convene at Oyam Boma Ground and proceed to busy areas within the town council. The key demands of the protesters are transparent billing, reliable power supply, and prompt customer service.

The local business community has reported several complaints to UMEME, but they claim their grievances have gone unheard. “We’ve been complaining for a long time. Oyam town council residents have been facing frequent power blackouts and inconsistent billing, which has disrupted their businesses and daily lives. Unfortunately, all our efforts have been in vain,” Olong said.

The organisers stated they will visit Oyam Central Police Station to seek clearance before Wednesday.

Naciguda Rambler, proprietor of Zawadi Hairdressing Salon in Oyam town council, shared that before the power outages, she would serve over eight customers a day. However, since the electricity supply was cut off, her clientele has dwindled to fewer than two customers.

“UMEME must expedite the process of restoring electricity in our area. I was earning over Shs 80,000 daily, but now my business is at a standstill. I’m struggling to pay rent and support my family, which relies entirely on this business,” she said in an interview.

George Alwong, sole proprietor of Blue Moon Computer Centre, expressed his frustration over the power blackouts, which have caused significant harm to his business. He spends over 100,000 UGX daily on operational costs and often ends the day with losses.

He also lamented the lack of action from opinion leaders who have the capacity to monitor and evaluate UMEME’s functions and effectiveness. He expressed his sorrow over the late Rt Canon Okello Engola Mac Odwogo, who was known for his scrutiny of community issues like this one.

Omara John Bosco, who operates a rice mill in Oyam Town, said they are not making profits because the power supply has been inconsistent since last December, despite having many customers every day.

Acen Monica, a businesswoman in Oyam town, explained that due to the unstable power supply to operate the rice mill, they sometimes transport rice from Nwoya district to Oyam town for sale. She also shared that during the Christmas season, she was expecting good business in rice but was disappointed due to the unreliable power supply.

Frequent power blackouts in Oyam town council are negatively impacting businesses, particularly those operating rice mills, maize flour mills, and welding services.

Attempts to obtain comments from UMEME’s Gulu office were unsuccessful.