Umeme office taken over by anti-riot police
By Sharon Tibenda
5th Dec 2011:
File photo: Anti riot police at work
National electricity distributor Umeme has surrendered control of its regional offices in Masaka following protests by local traders and opposition activists last Friday who were unhappy with the never ending load-shedding that is costing businesses across the country billions of Shillings per day.
Masaka FDC Youth Leader Meddie Lutaya and the former Masaka Municipality parliamentary candidate Peter Mutesasira joined a march by members of Uganda Human Rights Commission [UHRC] who were in the area to launch UHRC’s office in Masaka. The march however quickly degenerated into running battles with anti-riot police officers who then fired tear gas canisters in a bid to disperse the angry protesters.
Uganda Correspondent understands that the opposition activists had written to the police on Thursday informing them of their intention to stage a protest demonstration against consistent load-shedding. As has been the case in most parts of the country, police unsurprisingly refused to grant the demonstrator permission, arguing that it would cause serious disruption to the lives of ordinary people in Masaka.
Unfazed by the police orders, the protesters started marching towards Umeme offices but were stopped in their tracks by anti-riot police. The police action however only succeeded in attracting more protesters and curious onlookers. Sensing the tense anti-Umeme mood in the town, Umeme officials quickly responded by driving through several streets in Masaka town apologising for the continued load-shedding.
When that didn’t satisfy the protestors, Umeme decided to switch back the power but later switched it off again as night fell over Masaka town. By that time, police officers had successfully dispersed most of the protestors but also asked Umeme staff to close their office, which they then took over.
As this reporter left the scene, a number of police pick-up trucks were stationed at the entrance to Umeme offices. END. Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.
