The locals in Kingo Lwengo sub-county, Lwengo district, have threatened to strike in three days over UMEME’s deliberate refusal to restore their electricity.
The remarks were made during a village meeting in Kingo Lwengo sub-county on October 18, 2024, where locals revealed that they have spent four months without power even after informing UMEME.
Locals added that criminals have taken advantage of the darkness, leading to a surge in crimes and insecurity in the area.
“Thugs are not only stealing and robbing shops, animals, and poultry but have now resorted to stealing the electric wires in the night, especially in the areas of Kyooko and Kaganda Health Centre II,’’ the locals noted.
Emmanuel Mugenyi, the Kaganda LC I Publicity Secretary, revealed that a vehicle knocked down an electric pole, and UMEME was notified. However, when they came on the ground, the damaged electricity pole was taken but has never restored electricity.
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Mugenyi further disclosed that very many businesses, like those that deal in printing, photocopying, wielding, dairy, bakeries, and others, have closed down, affecting people’s livelihoods.
Moses Muwonge Kibira, the LC III Chairman of Kingo Lwengo sub-county, said that locals from villages of Kaganda, Kingo, Mukono, Kyabogo, Kyooko, and surrounding areas have written a letter informing him of their intentions to protest if UMEME does not fix the power issue in three days.
Kibira added that this issue has been pending for long and called upon UMEME to act promptly because people’s businesses are now at a standstill.
“UMEME should act now because even the electricity wires are being stolen every night from different villages, hence making more losses,” he said.
The potential strike in Lwengo is marked by frustration over prolonged power outages, rising crime rates, and significant impacts on local businesses. The community’s call for action reflects a critical need for responsive utility management and public safety measures.
