Kabale DPC Bakaleke Warns Residents against Planned Protest over Persistent Power Outages

Summary:

• Protestors accuse UMEME of constant power shutdowns, which have significantly disrupted services in the area.

---

KABALE: Kabale District Police Commander, SP Joseph Bakaleke, has warned residents against participating in what he termed a “peace-bleaching mobilization tool” proposed by agitators.

DPC Bakaleke’s warning follows ongoing social media mobilization for a peaceful demonstration dubbed “March to Kabale UMEME Offices,” organized by concerned residents in response to frequent power outages in the area. According to social media flyers, the demonstration is scheduled for August 10, 2024.

Protestors accuse UMEME of constant power shutdowns, which have significantly disrupted services in the area. Kabale Deputy Speaker Ronald Ian Mugisha stated that the frequent power outages, especially at night, are causing insecurity, financial losses among the business community, accidents, and disruptions to online lectures and water supply in Kabale Municipality. Mugisha expressed his frustration, noting that while Uganda supplies electricity to Rwanda, the situation in Kabale remains dire. He urged UMEME to address the issue before the protest date and provide a clear explanation for their management of electricity in Kabale.

Naboth Isaac Niwagaba, a resident of Kabale Municipality, expressed his disappointment with UMEME, describing the current load shedding as more than just inconvenient. He emphasized that residents pay their bills and are not asking for free electricity. Niwagaba called on UMEME to organize a dialogue and explain the reasons behind the poor service provision.

Aggrey Mastiko, a resident of Central Division in Kabale Municipality, questioned the prospects for industrialization in Kabale without a stable electricity supply. He expressed skepticism about the feasibility of running industries under the current conditions and emphasized the need for government intervention. Mastiko urged scrutiny of UMEME’s operations to foster industrial growth in the area.

CUE IN MATSIKO….ON INDUSTRALISATION…..RR/ENG//

Despite these concerns, DPC Bakaleke appealed to the Kabale community not to support the mobilization effort, describing it as a tool proposed by those against a peaceful Kabale. He acknowledged the challenges residents face but asked for patience, assuring them that the government is working on resolving the power issues.

CUE IN DPC BAKALEKE….ON THE MATTER……LUG//

Efforts by our reporter to obtain a response from the UMEME Kabale branch manager were unsuccessful. In April this year, Peter Kaujju, the UMEME Public Relations Officer, attributed the power outages to trees falling on UMEME poles due to residents’ activities.

CUE IN KAUJJU…..ON POWER OUTAGES…….ENG//