Lwengo District Chair Threatens Protest Over Two-Month Power Blackout in Mbirizi

Mbirizi Town Council, an important administrative and commercial hub in Lwengo District, has been plunged into darkness for close to two months, sparking significant frustration among residents and businesses.

The prolonged blackout was triggered by a faulty main transformer, which broke down approximately three months ago. Despite timely notification from district authorities to UEDCL, the situation has not yet been resolved.

According to District Chairperson Abas Kizito, the replacement transformer provided by UEDCL was itself defective, leaking oil and rendering it unusable. Kizito expressed his disappointment, stating, “I believe this company only understands one language—protest. I am prepared to camp at the UEDCL offices in Masaka until power is restored.”

The lack of electricity has crippled economic and social activities in Mbirizi. Businesses, including crucial coffee processing plants, have been unable to operate. Coffee processors like Kusain Bulungu highlighted that their machinery relies on three-phase electricity, which is unavailable, leading to significant losses.

Residents are also facing difficulties as they prepare for the new school term, with the blackout impacting daily life and the coordination of district activities. The situation has intensified calls for urgent intervention from UEDCL.

In response to the growing concerns, Eng. Michael Kabanda, the UEDCL Manager for Masaka Sub-region, assured the public that a solution is imminent. Kabanda indicated that the most effective resolution would be the installation of a new transformer, a process expected to be completed by the end of the current week.

This article is based on information from Nile Post.