Summary:
- Soroti City witnessed protests due to a prolonged power outage in the main market, leading to financial losses for vendors. Police used teargas to disperse demonstrators. Vendors sought government intervention for their rights. The power crisis was attributed to a market contractor’s unpaid electricity bill, causing discontent among vendors.
Tensions flared in Soroti City on Thursday as law enforcement deployed teargas to disperse vendors protesting the extended power outage that has plagued the central market for the past three days. Particularly affected were vendors reliant on refrigeration services, who reported substantial financial losses, prompting the closure of the market and a subsequent protest on the streets.
The power disruption has inflicted significant economic setbacks on vendors, especially those dependent on refrigeration. In response to the intensifying situation, the police utilized teargas to disband the demonstrators who had taken to the streets.
Mr. Edrine Benesa, the Resident City Commissioner of Soroti East division, issued a stern warning, emphasizing that any vendor violating the law would be subject to arrest. He underscored the importance of keeping public facilities like the market open, assuring vendors that Umeme, the power distribution company, was actively addressing the challenges.
Meanwhile, Mr. James Obore, the Deputy City Clerk, refrained from commenting, expressing his intention to address the challenges faced by vendors before engaging with the press. The protesters, comprising not only vendors but also security guards and cleaners, were advocating for their rights.
Ms. Sarah Akileng, a cleaner, disclosed that she had not received her salary since May of the previous year, highlighting the financial strain caused by the overdue payments. Mr. Henry Opule, a security guard, called for government intervention in addressing the issues affecting the main market, expressing disappointment in the leadership.
An anonymous source within the city authority attributed the power crisis to an outstanding debt of Shs32 million owed to Umeme by the market contractor. Allegedly, the contractor failed to settle the electricity bill while working on the market, leaving vendors to bear the consequences of the unresolved financial matters.
