Summary:
- Christine Akello and Emmanuel Otoke, parish councilors for Okokoma Parish, along with Alfred Odongo Ocen, noted that the new lighting would reduce idleness among youth in the trading centers, encouraging them to engage in business activities like roasting meat and frying chips.
KATAKWI: The extension of solar-powered lighting to trading centers in Katakwi District Omodo in Akoboi Sub-County, Corner Ikwap in Getom, Abarata in Angorom, Abwanget, and Olela in Katakwi Sub-County has sparked celebration among local residents.
Alungat Ann and Stella Alupo, two businesswomen from Omodo Trading Center, shared that they are saving money by no longer needing to buy hand torches to light their premises.
They expect that reliable lighting in key business and public service centers will boost both commerce and social activities in Ngariam.
Other community members, such as Job Okiror, Emmanuel Odongo, and Philip Omeran, believe the solar lights in Omodo will enhance the quality of life by allowing businesses to operate later into the night, boosting income and extending business hours.
They added that the new lighting has improved security, motivating residents to work harder and feel safer.
Christine Akello and Emmanuel Otoke, parish councilors for Okokoma Parish, along with Alfred Odongo Ocen, noted that the new lighting would reduce idleness among youth in the trading centers, encouraging them to engage in business activities like roasting meat and frying chips.
They also believe the lights will deter criminal activities by making it harder for criminals to operate in the dark.
Ngariam County MP hopeful and State House Private Secretary for Political Mobilization, Dan Mulalu, recently announced a broader initiative to install streetlights across other trading centers in the county.
Mulalu, who declared his intention to unseat Uganda’s Sports Minister Peter Ogwang in December 2021, has steadily built a reputation as a community-focused leader. He stated that this project aims not only to boost the local night economy but also to enhance public safety.
Explaining his vision for the streetlight project, Mulalu said, “The purpose of installing streetlights in Katakwi is to empower the night economy. Even if UMEME power goes off, people can continue doing business in the evening and nighttime.”
Mulalu also highlighted concerns about a criminal gang known as “Owok-wok” that has been troubling residents. The streetlight project will extend to additional trading centers, including Ocwin, Wera, Oilotor in Alukucok, Ajenebukui, Omagor, and others.
