By Aaron Okwir
Otuke, Uganda – Businesses in Otuke Town Council are struggling due to persistent power blackouts, which have left entrepreneurs counting losses and grappling with increased operational costs.
The situation has drawn concern from the Otuke District LCV Chairperson, Hon. Francis Abola, who has demanded urgent intervention from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).
Abola confirmed that the power outages stem from recent heavy rainfall, which brought down more than five electricity poles along Olilim Road in Ikwee Village.
Despite notifying the relevant authorities, he expressed frustration over the lack of a prompt response, leaving business owners in distress.
“I received information about this problem last week and immediately contacted UEDCL. Unfortunately, we have not yet received a concrete response. Businesses are suffering, and livelihoods are at stake. I urge the responsible authorities to expedite the repair process,” Abola stated.
Local business owners have been hit hard, with some reporting significant losses due to damaged equipment.
Ceaser Owera, popularly known as Projector Ciza and the director of Dano Tek Idano Workshop, revealed that his machine, valued at UGX 20 million, was ruined by unstable power supply.
Boniface Ogwel, the proprietor of DJ Bonyz & Electronics, said that many business owners have been forced to resort to costly alternative power sources like generators, further increasing their expenses.
Similarly, Okuk Dickens Darius, a barber and owner of DD Perfect Salon, lamented that frequent power outages have made it difficult to provide for his family and pay school fees for his children.
“This is my only source of income. When there’s no power, I have no business. It’s frustrating and unsustainable,” Dickens Darius said.
For welders in Otuke, the blackouts have caused major disruptions.
Sam Okello, alias Sam Welder, the chairperson of welders in the town, noted that the outages have led to conflicts with customers due to delayed work completion.
“As welders, we work with deadlines. When we promise customers that their work will be ready in a few days but then go for three days without power, it causes confusion and loss of trust,” Okello explained.
Abola reassured the affected business community that his office is actively engaging relevant authorities to resolve the crisis.
However, he urged them to remain patient as efforts are underway to restore power and stabilize the situation.
The ongoing power crisis in Otuke has not only crippled businesses but also raised concerns about the reliability of electricity supply in the district, with business owners calling for long-term solutions to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
