By Denis Omiji
Dokolo – Residents of Arwotnyap Cell in Dokolo Central Ward Dokolo district have given a 14-day ultimatum to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to explain why there is no power in the area despite the presence of electricity poles.
In their letter dated October 12, 2023, addressed to the Resident District Commissioner Dokolo Barbra Akech and other leaders, the residents led by Bonny Okello Alele vowed to carry out a peaceful demonstration against UEDCL Dokolo Branch in case they fail to get clarity over the matter within the 14 days.
Okello in their letter says despite the voluntary offering of land to plant electricity poles, the area has never seen anything like power except the poles for over 3 years now. This they say has denied growth and development in the area.
The residents have now tasked Dokolo District leaders together with UEDCL to explain to them why the line that passes from their land is still dormant yet the neighboring cells have power.
“This notice is to seek public clarification and commitment by the said institution to the people of Arwotnyap cell, less the mass demonstration demanding for this essential social service as always emphasized by His Excellency the president of Uganda, will be carried out,” reads part of the letter.
They also note that in case such a service cannot be offered to the community of Arwotnyap, they will demand them to remove their poles from the area.
Brian Okello, councillor representing central ward to Dokolo Town council acknowledged the challenges the residents of Arwotnyap are facing due to the lack of Electricity.
When contacted, the UEDCL officials at Dokolo branch declined to comment on the matter and referred this publication to their Regional Public Relations officer since they are not allowed to comment on such issues.
The Resident District Commissioner of Dokolo Barbra Akech, when contacted, asked the residents of Arwotnyap to be calm as they look into the matter.
Recently, Members of Parliament expressed frustration over continued delays in electricity connections despite the prerequisite infrastructure in their constituencies.
The legislators expressed their dissatisfaction after the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, presented to the House, a statement on the status of electricity/power sub-sector during plenary on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
Felix Okot Ogong, the MP for Dokolo South County denounced the lag in connections, explaining that some lines had taken almost five years without connections and the wooden poles were even rotting away.
The minister committed to examining the issues raised and pledged that districts that do not have electricity will be connected because it is in the government policy and implored members to inform the ministry on the existing electricity lines that have been dormant for over two years to ease planning and help to curb vandalism.
