Soroti City witnessed tense scenes on Thursday as police fired teargas to disperse vendors protesting the prolonged power blackout affecting the main market for the past three days. Particularly, vendors relying on refrigeration services reported significant losses, prompting them to close the market and take to the streets in protest.
The power outage has resulted in substantial financial setbacks for vendors, especially those dependent on refrigeration. In response to the escalating situation, police deployed teargas to scatter the demonstrators who had taken to the streets.
Mr. Edrine Benesa, the Resident City Commissioner of Soroti East division, issued a stern warning, stating that any vendor violating the law would face arrest. He emphasized that public facilities like the market should not be closed, assuring the vendors that Umeme, the power distribution company, was addressing the challenges.
Meanwhile, Mr. James Obore, the Deputy City Clerk, declined to comment, expressing his intent to address the challenges faced by vendors before engaging with the press. The protesters, consisting not only of vendors but also security guards and cleaners, were advocating for their rights.
Ms. Sarah Akileng, a cleaner, revealed that she had not received her salary since May of the previous year, emphasizing the financial strain caused by the overdue payments. Mr. Henry Opule, a security guard, called for government intervention in addressing the issues affecting the main market, expressing disappointment in the leadership.
An anonymous city authority source attributed the power crisis to an outstanding debt of Shs32 million owed to Umeme by the market contractor. The contractor allegedly failed to clear the electricity bill while working on the market, leaving the vendors to bear the brunt of the unresolved financial matters.
