Residents decry ‘disco light’ power supply in Kaberamaido

KABERAMAIDO - Unreliable electricity is more than an inconvenience in Kaberamaido—it’s a growing crisis affecting businesses, homes, and healthcare. 

During a public meeting at Kaberamaido Hotel on April 2, 2025, residents expressed frustration with the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) for months of erratic supply, warning that the consequences are becoming unbearable.

Kaberamaido County MP Alfred Edakasi Elalu convened the meeting, bringing in the assistant commissioner of rural electrification at the energy ministry, Joan Kayanga Dhamutundha, and UEDCL area manager Ceasar Kirungi to address power users’ concerns.

Edakasi stressed the severity of the issue, noting that many residents had invested in machines that require electricity but were now facing setbacks.

"Assure us how you will deal with the concerns of our people, who are your partners and whom you are meant to serve," he said.

‘Disco lights'

John Ecelu, chairperson of the business community, lamented that electricity was available only for short periods before going off.

"What we have can be termed as a ‘disco light'. How can we have power for only a week in an entire month? This makes us doubt whether the electricity is even meant to help us," he said.

He further noted that the unreliable power supply had contributed to domestic violence, as women waiting at grinding mills for power would return home late, leading to conflicts with their husbands.

Ecelu also criticised UEDCL officials for delays in responding to power outages and called for a local office with resident staff to address issues promptly. The nearest UEDCL office is currently in Dokolo town, Dokolo district, 15 kilometres away.

Electronic gadgets damaged

Ecelu revealed that 54 people in Kaberamaido had lost electronic gadgets due to power fluctuations. Despite complaints, UEDCL had not compensated them.

Affected items included refrigerators, computers, phones, televisions, and decoders—most used for business purposes.

Douglas Moses Alele, a shop owner, said that while power issues exist across Uganda, the situation in Kaberamaido was particularly dire.

"Commissioner, what we have in Kaberamaido is a disco light. If not a disco light, then a glow worm because that is how it works here. As you are here today, power has been off and was only restored because of your presence," Alele said.

Ironically, before the meeting ended, the power went off again.

Alele noted that despite paying VAT and service fees monthly, they only had power for one week each month.

"Other countries like Kenya are said to be benefiting from Uganda’s electricity, but we should also receive special consideration," he added.

Authorities speak out

Kaberamaido resident district commissioner (RDC) Linos Lotem Tumkori shared his own frustration with UEDCL.

He recounted an incident where he went two weeks without electricity, despite reaching out to officials in Dokolo.

"If I, as an RDC, can be tossed around, what about ordinary people? We expect you to do better," he said.

Impact on women and healthcare

Majengo ward female councillor Anna Grace Atim said unreliable power was causing businesses to collapse, making it difficult to educate children.

She cited women who rely on electricity to make juice but are forced to throw it away due to prolonged outages, leaving them unable to repay business loans.

"I have women who have poured out their juice because of power cuts. How do you expect us to pay back our loans? How do you expect us to educate our children?" she asked.

Atim also noted that unreliable electricity was a serious concern for pregnant women.
"Mothers need scans, and some require surgery. Why shouldn’t we blame you when women die because of this?" she said.

One power line serving parts of Kaberamaido and Aperkira subcounty remained inactive for nearly a month due to compensation disputes.

Security concerns

David Oswald Einyu noted that residents had grown accustomed to darkness but adjusted when power was available.

He warned that power outages contributed to insecurity, as criminals thrived in darkness.
Einyu urged the government to make solar panels more affordable so they could serve as an alternative power source, leaving electricity for heavy machinery.

Officials respond

UEDCL area manager Ceasar Kiyingi assured the public that efforts were underway to improve services.

He explained that power supply challenges stemmed from operating only part of the electricity line.

"From Soroti to Lwala (part of Kalaki district), UMEME was managing, while UEDCL handled Lwala to Kaberamaido, Dokolo, and Amolatar. We had no authority over UMEME's areas, but now that we have taken over the entire country, such cases will be minimised," he said.

Kiyingi added that a new power line from Agwata, connected to Lira city, would also serve Kaberamaido to improve reliability.

He encouraged business owners to report power issues directly to UEDCL headquarters.
Meanwhile, assistant commissioner of rural electrification Joan Kayanga Dhamutundha acknowledged the concerns raised and assured residents that the ministry would escalate unresolved issues to the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).

"Now that I have heard your concerns, I will take them up with the relevant authorities," she said.

She urged the public to be patient as UEDCL streamlined its systems and took full control of the national power supply.

Addressing compensation claims, she assured affected residents that the government was aware of its obligations and would handle them in the next financial quarter.

She also called on residents to allow UEDCL workers to cut down trees affecting power lines to ensure a more stable supply.

MP Edakasi reminded residents that government-funded power extensions do not include compensation, unlike those funded by external organisations.

"Since we need power, let’s allow these extensions so that we can improve our businesses," he said.