By Johnson Kanyesige
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited has raised a red flag over the rampant cases of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure in the Bunyoro sub-region.
UEDCL explains that vandalism frustrates the timely delivery of quality and reliable electricity, especially in the region especially to essential sectors such as health, education, and manufacturing.
Fred Wamala, the Manager in charge of Standards and construction at the UEDCL, notes that thugs in the region are targeting critical components, including aluminium and copper wires, transformers, transformer oils, electric poles, underground cables, and transmission infrastructure made of steel.
He has further expressed concerns over continuous illegal electricity connections and meter tampering, noting that such practices are dangerous to lives and property and that they frustrate the country’s power supply system.
Wamala adds that as a result of vandalism, the government is finding it hard to extend power to some areas in the region since money meant to extend power is instead being used to restore the vandalised electricity network.
He has rallied leaders and stakeholders in the region to join them in the fight against the vice. He says such acts compromise the stability, reliability, and continuity of power supply across Uganda.
According to Wamala, the stolen items are often sold to scrap dealers, smelters, energy sector service providers sourcing materials locally, traders of electrical supplies, and welding workshops that use transformer oil for their operations.
Alex Atukunda, the head of commercial services at the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, noted that they are committed to enhancing service delivery in the sector, adding that their customers will have a safe and reliable power supply.
Geofrey Kumakech, the LCV Councillor for Buseruka sub-county, has tasked the power distribution company to help distribute and connect power to busy villages and landing sites along the Lake Albert shores to boost business.
Christopher Kagoro, a resident of Buseruka, wants UEDCL to resolve persistent power outages affecting the area despite ongoing crucial government installations and investments in the region.
To curb vandalism, the government has introduced stringent penalties. Under the Electricity (Amendment) Act, 2022, first-time offenders face up to 12 years in prison or a fine of 50,000 currency points (UGX 1 billion), or both.
Repeat offenders risk 15 years in prison or a fine of 100,000 currency points (UGX 2 billion), or both.
Section 85A of the Act stipulates that anyone who removes, transfers, or tampers with electricity infrastructure, whether during transportation or while installed, without authorisation from the licensee or owner, commits an offence.
