Businesses paralyzed as Kabarwana faces seven-day power blackout
He is appealing to the electricity company to restore power, noting that they have responsibilities such as paying rent, taxes, and school fees for their children.
Masindi: Business operators in Kabarwana Cell, Central Division of Masindi Municipality are expressing frustration after spending nearly two weeks without electricity, a situation they say has severely disrupted their livelihoods.
The traders say the prolonged blackout has paralyzed their businesses, as most of them depend entirely on electricity to operate.
Gorret Murungi, a shop attendant, says they were informed that the area transformer developed a fault. However, despite that explanation, they have now spent about two weeks without power. She notes that they are no longer selling cold drinks, which are among their fastest-moving items, especially during the dry season.
Joselyn Akugizibwe, another shop attendant, explains that the blackout has come at a critical time when parents are purchasing scholastic materials ahead of the school term.
She says much of their income during this season comes from selling cold drinks, and without electricity, their earnings have drastically reduced. She has appealed to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to urgently intervene and restore power.
Jim Muhwezi, a barber, says the outage has left his family struggling to get basic necessities, as they survive on daily earnings. He adds that despite paying taxes to the Uganda Revenue Authority and municipal authorities, they continue to suffer losses due to the blackout.
Tony Olima, another barber, says he has resorted to using a rechargeable shaving machine, which he describes as inefficient and costly to maintain. He also claims that the prolonged power outage has contributed to increased theft cases in the area.
Olima is appealing to the electricity company to restore power, noting that they have responsibilities such as paying rent, taxes, and school fees for their children.
Roset Sunday, a salon operator, says they have not been working for a week due to the lack of electricity. She explains that they live hand-to-mouth, and the blackout has greatly affected their income.
Meanwhile, Jonan Kiiza, spokesperson for the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, confirmed the outage, stating that the transformer serving the area developed a mechanical problem.
He said the process of acquiring a replacement transformer is ongoing and assured residents that power will be restored soon. Kiiza appealed to community members in Kabarwana Cell and neighboring areas to remain patient as the company works around the clock to resolve the issue.
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