Tailors and traders operating in Eagle and Jjemba Plazas on Luwum Street have staged a protest against power blackouts at their work places.
The protesters, mainly tailors say they have had power blackouts for more than a month, which affects their operation.
One of the traders identified as Sharon expressed discontent, saying they cannot continue giving excuses to their clients for failing to deliver due to power blackouts.
Sharon, who operates on Jjemba Plaza, says they have had to do with power outages for about three months.
She says they sometimes have to buy cables to get power from the neighboring buildings, which is risky. Sharon says they have repeatedly complained to management over the problem.
She however, said UMEME employees fix the problem for power to go off a few hours later.
//Cue in: “Kati gyigenda kuwera…
Cue out: …gyigenda mwebiri”//
The trader’s protest, which paralysed business on Luwum Street, attracted the attention of police.
Juliana, a tailor at Eagle Plaza, says UMEME needs to work on the problem such that they can run their businesses without disturbance. Juliana says they cannot afford generators like some of their colleagues.
//Cue in: “Ensonga ya masannyalanze..
Cue out: …lwa masannyalaze”//
UMEME engineers had fixed the power by the time of filing this story leaving traders in jubilation. It is uncertain whether or not the power will not go off like the case has been in the past.
The UMEME
Spokesperson, Stephen Illungole couldn’t be reached for comment as he didn’t pick his known number.
Story by Hafitha Issa
