Residents of Kalagi-Kakoola clashed with police during a protest over a month-long power blackout caused by a delayed transformer installation.
MUKONO, UGANDA – Gunfire and teargas smoke engulfed the town of Kalagi-Kakoola in Kyampisi Sub-County, Mukono District, as residents clashed with police during a protest over a month-long power blackout. The demonstration was triggered by the delayed installation of a transformer by the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).
Frustrated protesters blocked the Kampala road with logs, stones, and electric poles. They expressed their desperation, stating that their children cannot study for school, and burglaries have increased in the area due to the pervasive darkness, with thieves now freely breaking into their homes.
The situation escalated when a military vehicle traveling from Kayunga was surrounded by the protesters, who ordered the driver to turn back. Other travelers were seen stranded in their vehicles, fearful of proceeding through the chaos.
The protesters also targeted a UEDCL vehicle from Kayunga, preventing it from moving and demanding that the transformer be delivered. The vehicle's driver was seen pleading to be allowed to leave, but the protesters refused.
The volatile situation prompted a heavy deployment of police and military forces from Naggalam, led by the Naggalama DPC, Edina Nyiraniza. The DPC was seen attempting to calm the protesters, but her efforts were met with resistance.
The confrontation intensified, leading to the firing of live bullets and teargas to disperse the crowd. This action further enraged the protesters, who began throwing stones at any police vehicle entering Kalagi. The standoff lasted for about five hours before the area's Member of Parliament arrived and intervened.
The MP calmed the protesters, assuring them that the transformer would be installed by 9 PM that very day.
During the violent scuffles, one woman was hit by a teargas canister. She was rushed to Naggalama Hospital for treatment and was reported to be in a critical condition.
Some protesters alleged that a local politician was deliberately sabotaging the installation of the transformer for political gain, wanting to take credit for it later. They also expressed frustration that even news about their plight had not reached the President, who is currently campaigning in the area.
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