Mityana traders demonstrate over power blackout

By Luke Kagiri

Work came to a standstill at Mityana Town Council on Monday morning, as traders protested against persistent power blackout.
 
The traders blocked the Kampala Road using big logs, which they later set on fire, blocking the traffic for over an hour.
 
Most of the traders along Thoban Road and part of Kampala Road who were protesting operate maize mills, carpentry workshops and welding workshops.
 
The traders who spoke to the New Vision talked to accused Umeme technicians of switching them of without a clear explanation.

“Our businesses entirely depend on power but since Monday last week, we have not been working.
 
We tried several times to contact Umeme Mityana branch to explain why we do not have power but they have never responded to us,” Joseph Musisi, said.

The Anti-riot Police, commanded by the Mityana District Police Commander, Henry Kintu dispersed the rioting traders.

Speaking to traders, Kintu promised that he would meet the Umeme officials to discuss and forge a way forward.
 
“We appeal to our trader to remain calm as we try to establish the problem from the Umeme officials,” Kintu said.

Umeme officials later held a meeting with some of the traders with the DPC.