Gulu City Vendors Petition Museveni Over Persistent Power Blackouts

Vendors in Gulu City have petitioned President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni over the persistent power blackouts. Through their chairperson Patrick Omaya, the more than four thousand vendors say the persistent power blackouts in the city affect greatly affect their businesses.

They say that the most affected are vendors in Gulu Main Market, which lacks an alternative source of power to bridge the gap. In their petition handed over to Bosco Odoch Olak, the National Resistance Movement Coordinator for Northern Uganda on Saturday, the vendors want the president to intervene in the matter and ensure constant power supply.

They also want the president to provide solar lighting in the market, arguing that the market suffers a total blackout whenever the electricity goes off. Santos Obura, the General Secretary Gulu Main Market, says that vendors are forced to move outside the market in the afternoon because of poor lighting.

David Onyach, who represented the Gulu Resident City Commissioner, also decried intermittent power supply in Northern Uganda, saying it is a nightmare for many people especially those whose business relies on electricity.

The vendors made their demand at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City on Saturday while receiving a Fuso Lorry Truck registration number UBH 535 V and Shillings 20 million donated by President Museveni to facilitate their transport and operations.

Museveni promised to give the vendors the truck in February 2021 during the thanksgiving prayer for local chairpersons held at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City. Bosco Odoch Olak, who presided over the handover of the vehicle promised to deliver the vendors petition and demands to the president.