Tororo’s Blackout: A Microcosm of Uganda’s Electricity Transition Crisis

By Ofwono George

Tororo, Uganda:- The darkness that has engulfed Bison Maguria and Nyangole parishes in Tororo Municipality for the past two weeks is not a mere inconvenience; it is a stark indictment of the poorly managed transition from UMEME to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). 

This isn’t an abstract policy debate; it’s a lived reality, a crisis playing out in real time, and one that mirrors the anxieties many Ugandans now feel about the future of essential services.

My own experience living along Mile 2 Mbale Road offers a poignant illustration of the broader problem.  While our immediate situation may not be as dire as the complete blackout in Tororo, the lingering uncertainty and lack of clear communication are deeply unsettling.

We are experiencing sporadic power outages, extended periods of low voltage, and a general sense of helplessness as we struggle to navigate this transitional period.  The situation in Tororo, however, dramatically highlights the worst-case scenario, a complete breakdown of service.

The reported extortion by former UMEME employees, now unemployed and preying on desperate residents, is not just a side issue; it’s a symptom of the larger systemic failure. This exposes the lack of oversight and the vacuum of accountability that has emerged during this transition. The absence of a clear, functioning structure to address such abuses is a grave concern.

The two failed transformers in Nyangole represent a microcosm of the larger problem: a lack of preparedness and a failure of communication.  The inaccessibility of UEDCL offices, the absence of communication procedures, and the closure of UMEME offices create a perfect storm of confusion and desperation. This situation is not unique to Tororo; it reflects a growing unease across the country about the effectiveness of this transition.

The government’s assurances of improved service delivery and affordability ring hollow in the face of this reality.  The narrative of a seamless handover has been shattered. Instead, we are witnessing a collapse in service, a rise in extortion, and a complete absence of clear lines of communication and accountability. 

These events raise serious questions about the government’s foresight and ability to manage critical infrastructure.

What awaits us if this is the reality of the “few days” transition?  The potential for further breakdowns, continued exploitation, and prolonged economic hardship is a very real threat. This is not just a matter of inconvenience; it strikes at the heart of economic productivity, public safety, and public trust in government institutions.

The experience in Tororo—and the unsettling parallels on Mile 2 Mbale Road—demands immediate and decisive action. The government must urgently address the power outages, investigate the reports of extortion, and establish clear, accessible communication channels. A thorough review of the entire transition process is critical to prevent similar crises from unfolding elsewhere.

The darkness in Tororo and the uncertain power supply on Mile 2 Mbale Road are not isolated incidents.  They serve as powerful warnings of a system in disarray. The government must act swiftly and decisively to restore power, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure that such failures are never repeated.  The people of Uganda deserve better than this haphazard and deeply concerning transition.

The writer is Youth Chairperson Nyangole subcounty (UPC) and an Advocate for Sociopolitical and Economic Justice.