Dokolo Business Community Decries Frequent Power Blackouts

The business community in Dokolo Town Council, Dokolo District, has raised concerns over persistent power blackouts that are severely affecting their operations.

Oscar Okello, the Director of Oscom Uganda Bookshops located along Bata Road, expressed his frustration with the frequent power outages that are damaging electronic appliances such as computers, sound systems, and other business equipment. He noted that many businesses are struggling to survive as a result of these blackouts.

Okello shared his concerns about the worsening situation during the rainy season, as power cuts are becoming more frequent and unpredictable.

He called on the district leadership and politicians to take immediate action to resolve the power issue. Okello warned that if the matter is not addressed promptly, the business community may be forced to stage demonstrations to express their concerns.

Bonny Otim, representing the Dokolo Town Council’s salon operators, also voiced the challenges faced by local businesses due to the frequent power outages. He mentioned that some salon operators had relocated to other districts, while others had switched to farming.

Abel Ekol, the Chairperson of the Business Community of Dokolo Town Council, echoed these concerns, demanding an explanation from the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Dokolo District, Babra Akech, and the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) regarding the cause of the frequent power outages that are disrupting business activities.

In response, Babra Akech, the RDC of Dokolo District, assured that she had made all necessary communications to relevant offices for affirmative action. She explained that Dokolo's electricity lines had been reconnected to the unstable Dokolo-Soroti power lines, which often lead to blackouts. However, Akech added that the district's electricity lines would soon be connected to the more stable and reliable Dokolo-Lira Highway power lines.