Leaders and traders in Mityana Municipality have called on the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to address frequent power outages, warning that the interruptions are disrupting businesses, affecting residents’ daily activities and raising concerns about public safety.
John Kasazi, the Mayor of Mityana Central Division, said recurring electricity interruptions were creating difficulties for traders and residents who depend on a reliable power supply for their daily activities.
Kasazi expressed concern that prolonged outages leave parts of the municipality in darkness, potentially exposing residents and their property to theft and other security threats. He urged UEDCL officials in Mityana to take immediate action to improve electricity supply.
“Frequent power outages are affecting the normal functioning of businesses and other activities in our community. We need a lasting solution to ensure that residents and traders can carry out their work without unnecessary interruptions,” Kasazi said.
He added that electricity was essential for economic activity and public safety, particularly during the evening hours when darkness can make it difficult for residents to move around safely.
Traders have also raised concerns about the disruptions, saying businesses that depend on electricity face operational challenges whenever the supply is interrupted.
“We’re counting losses. That’s why we call upon the electricity distributor to improve its services and communicate with customers about the challenges affecting power distribution,” said Nuriat Nabukenya, a trader in Mityana.
Gilbert Tibihwayo, the UEDCL branch manager in Mityana, acknowledged that the company had been experiencing challenges affecting electricity supply in the area.
However, he said the company was working to resolve the problems and improve the reliability of its services.
“We have been experiencing some challenges, but we are working hard to ensure that we provide a stable electricity supply to the people of Mityana,” Tibihwayo said.
He did not provide further details about the causes of the outages or the specific measures being taken to address them.
The complaints come as businesses and households continue to depend on electricity for commercial operations and other essential activities.
Local leaders have urged UEDCL to prioritise the concerns raised by the community, saying a more reliable power supply would help businesses operate efficiently and address security concerns associated with prolonged darkness.
Residents and traders are now looking to the distributor to resolve the persistent interruptions and provide a more dependable electricity supply across Mityana Municipality.