news 1 October 2026 Nile Post
Mityana Residents Issue 72-Hour Ultimatum Over Month-Long Power Blackout
Residents across several villages in Mityana Municipality are demanding the immediate restoration of electricity after a month-long outage that has crippled businesses, schools, and health facilities. They have given the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) a three-day deadline to resolve the issue. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/375025/mityana-residents-demand-urgent-action-after-month-long-power-outage
A prolonged power outage lasting approximately one month has plunged several communities in Mityana Municipality into darkness, sparking widespread frustration among residents. The blackout, affecting areas including Kitinkokola A and B, Kasambya, and Ndibulunji, has severely disrupted daily life and local economies.
Businesses reliant on electricity, such as those in beverage sales and mobile money services, have been forced to close or operate at significantly reduced capacity. Landlords are also feeling the pinch as tenants begin to vacate due to the lack of power. Antony Kintu, a local resident, highlighted the economic losses and the increasing difficulty in maintaining households.
The situation was exacerbated when three newly installed transformers reportedly failed within a week, leaving the communities without a stable power source. This recurring issue has led residents to issue a stern warning to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), demanding that power be restored within three days or face protests at the company’s offices.
Beyond economic impacts, the extended outage has raised security concerns, with fears of increased nighttime crime. Essential services are also struggling; schools and health facilities are finding it difficult to operate effectively without a consistent electricity supply.
Gilbert Tibihwayo, the UEDCL manager in Mityana, acknowledged the residents’ grievances and stated that the company is aware of the problem. He assured that UEDCL plans to deploy additional transformers to resolve the issue and restore reliable power to the affected areas. However, residents are pushing for a permanent solution, citing previous failures that have consistently disrupted their lives and access to essential services.