By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Ritah Atukwatse,
KAMPALA
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has attributed prolonged power outages across the country to vandalism of electric infrastructures and illegal connections by the people it described as “bad-hearted” individuals in communities.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Wednesday during the release of the company’s 48-day performance report, UEDCL Jonan Kiiza , Head of Corporate and Shareholders Affairs said the problem has worsened since the company took over power distribution duties from UMEME.
The most affected areas, Kiiza noted, lie along the stretch from Wabigalo to Kafu, covering Kakoge, Mijera, and Nakasongola, among others. Similar incidents have also been reported in Mityana, Mukono and Luweero where more than three cases of vandalism have been confirmed in the past 57 days.
Kiiza presented the report on behalf of the Managing Director, Paul Mwesigwa. He described the trend as a “growing national concern”, noting that the damage has not only significantly contributed to killing the company’s reputation, but also caused persistent outages affecting homes, businesses, and key services.
“The consequences of vandalism are loud and clear,” Kiiza said. “We deeply apologize for the outages affecting our consumers, but it’s important to recognize that many of these disruptions are linked to the actions of individuals deliberately targeting our infrastructure.”
UEDCL is also working tooth and nail to intensify its strategy to combat the crisis.
“We have both short-term and long-term strategies to address these issues of vandalism,” he said. ” One of them, we are working so close with law enforcers and the different security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of this vice are apprehended and brought to book,” Kiiza explained.
Furthermore, the utility provider plans to launch a nationwide behavioral change campaign aimed at increasing community vigilance and ownership.
“Community engagements are at the heart of our strategy,” Mwesigwa stated. “We are stepping up outreach efforts using every available channel, including the media.” UEDCL has planned intentional community barazas at Wabigalo, Kakoge, Katugo, and Nakasongola beginning next week in response to this vandalism challenge.
UEDCL also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity or illegal power connections using its toll-free lines: 0800203088 and 0800285285.
“We are calling on communities, especially those near power infrastructure, to join us in protecting these assets that are essential for national development,” the spokesperson said.
As part of its broader strategy to promote safe and green energy, UEDCL revealed plans to connect over 225,000 new customers to the national grid.
