By Eumu Emmanuel
Oyam, Uganda – Residents of Oyam Town Council are grappling with a severe water shortage and power blackout that has persisted for five days, leaving businesses and households in distress. The crisis has affected key sectors, including electric mills, fuel stations, salons, hotels, and restaurants, significantly raising the cost of living.
Business owners have voiced their frustrations, with Mr. Stalon Olong, chairperson of the business community, expressing concern over the economic impact. Olong, who owns Stalon Enterprise and Oyam Waa Fuel Station, stated that many businesses have been crippled due to the prolonged outage.
Molly Akoli, a businesswoman who runs Yesu Atwero Restaurant and Salon, described the crisis as unbearable. She called on the government and stakeholders to intervene, stating that as a single mother and breadwinner, she is struggling to sustain her family amid the disruption.
In response, Patrick Agetta, manager of Northern Uganda Water Umbrella in Oyam, explained that the town’s water supply depends on electric power to run pumps. He urged residents to utilize alternative sources like boreholes, though he acknowledged that these are limited and insufficient for the population’s needs.
The prolonged outage has also compromised hygiene and sanitation in homes, schools, health facilities, bars, and lodges, increasing concerns over public health risks. Attempts to contact Umeme officials for clarification on the power blackout were unsuccessful, as known public contacts remained unanswered.
Residents continue to demand urgent action to restore essential services, warning that prolonged disruptions could lead to severe economic and health consequences.
