Staff Reporter
Security authorities in Kabale District have urged the organizers of a planned protest against power outages to reconsider their demonstration, citing concerns over potential disruptions despite detailed explanations from the involved parties.
The protest, scheduled for August 9, 2024, and called “March to Kabale UMEME Offices,” has been organized by concerned residents in response to frequent power outages in the region. Protesters accuse UMEME of persistent power shutdowns, which they claim have severely disrupted services.
Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godfrey Nyakahuma issued an apology on behalf of the government to residents of Kabale for the prolonged outages. He acknowledged the damage caused to electrical appliances and the hindrance to businesses dependent on electricity. RDC Nyakahuma emphasized that the ruling NRM government values transparency and accountability and that it is the government’s duty to address grievances and explain the reasons behind issues such as power outages.
Nyakahuma noted that after discussions with officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the Kabale District Local Government, top security officials from the Kigezi Regional Police, the UPDF’s 311 Battalion, and representatives from the local business community in Kabale District, Rukiga, Rubanda, and parts of Ntungamo, it is crucial for the protest organizers to reconsider their plans unless they have other motives.
Kigezi Regional Assistant Police Commander SSP James Kawalya warned the demonstrators to remain lawful, stating that if the protest causes disruptions, they are prepared to respond. He cautioned that demonstrations can attract undesirable elements and urged protestors to engage in dialogue instead. SSP Kawalya also mentioned that they are equipped with sufficient teargas to disperse crowds if necessary.
In a letter dated August 1, 2024, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, some residents of Kabale Municipality requested police authorization for a protest against UMEME, citing daily power outages, delayed responses to reported issues, the sharing of client information with scammers, and poor customer service from UMEME staff as their grievances.
UMEME has stated that the power outage issue will be addressed once the construction of the Kabale substation in Karukara, Hamurwa Town Council, Rubanda District is completed.
