Business operators cry foul as Masindi faces two-day power outage

Masindi: Business operators in Masindi Municipality are counting losses after a power blackout that has persisted for nearly three days, crippling operations across the town.

Electricity went off on Monday, December 1, 2025, at around 7:30 pm, and by 5PM on Wednesday it had not yet been restored, leaving several businesses at a standstill.

Easther Kansiime, a salon operator, said she has not worked for two days yet she has a family to look after. She noted that the outage has left her without any income, adding: “I have nothing to provide for my family. We need urgent intervention.”

Jonan Wamara, who operates a music library, said it is now the third day without work despite having to pay rent, URA dues, and municipal taxes. He said the blackout is severely affecting their income.

Martin Kabagambe, a welder, said welders survive on hand-to-mouth earnings, and the outage has pushed many into hunger. “We are starving. We are not working, yet we must provide for our families,” he said.

Huzaifa Wamani, a barber in Kijura, said he is surviving on a rechargeable shaving machine but that business remains crippled due to the lack of stable power. “I have responsibilities as a man, but without power, work is nearly impossible,” he said.

Sowed Magumba, a carpenter at Railway, said three days without electricity has left their tools idle, yet they must continue paying school fees, loan installments, and other obligations.

Another carpenter, Tadeo Tumusiime, said even their phones have shut down, making communication difficult. “Our machines are idle and we are suffering. We need help,” he appealed.

Gerald Ssebunya, also a carpenter, noted that after three days without work, they have nothing to feed their families.

A section of affected workers said they had resorted to playing ludo as they wait for power to return, saying they have nothing else to do.

When contacted, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (UEDCL) spokesperson Jonan Kiiza confirmed the blackout, explaining that Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (UETCL) reported a fault at the Nkenda Substation on Monday.

He said the fault disrupted electricity supply to several areas, including Fort Portal City, Kabarole, Kagadi, Bundibugyo, Hoima, Masindi, Buliisa, and Kiryandongo districts.

Kiiza assured the public that technical teams were working tirelessly to restore power in all affected districts as soon as possible.

Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.