Communities in Ntungamo District are celebrating the long-awaited restoration of electricity after years of living in darkness due to broken and vandalized transformers installed under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in 2018.
According to Belinda Murungi, UEDCL Area Manager, the transformers installed seven years ago never functioned properly due to technical faults that emerged immediately after installation.
"They have been off since 2018. Some transformers faulted on the day they were commissioned, while others failed within the same month. Unfortunately, affected communities never had replacements until now," Murungi explained.
The situation worsened over the years as vandalism of electrical equipment surged across the district. At a handover ceremony held in Ruhaama, seven new transformers were handed over to Ntungamo District to restore power.
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Eng. Abdon Atwiine, Commissioner in the Rural Electrification Department at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, condemned the persistent destruction of power infrastructure, warning that such acts cripple development and endanger lives.
"Over 12 transformers were vandalized, and we have sent replacements. This habit of vandalizing transformers and extracting oil is harmful--it plunges communities into darkness, hampers development, and even poses health risks, as some use the oil in street food like chips," Atwiine noted.
He added that the ongoing electrification project is part of a nationwide initiative to connect over one million new customers.
"This is a nationwide project. Anyone who applies for a connection will be served first. I urge residents to apply now so we can keep accurate records," he said.
Atwiine also revealed that the Ministry is revising policies to ensure those who vandalize electrical equipment face the full force of the law.
Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Miriam Kagaiga, issued a stern warning to anyone who attempts to tamper with the newly installed power lines.
"We are warning anyone who tries to tamper with these power lines. Previously, transformers were destroyed, and we cannot allow that to happen again. Those caught will face severe punishment," Kagaiga cautioned.
For many residents, the restoration of electricity signals renewed hope for economic growth and improved livelihoods.
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"We have been in total darkness. When the transformers were first installed, we thought our businesses would improve, but it didn't last," said Sarah Arinitwe from Rugarama Cell.
Schools, local entrepreneurs, salon operators, coffee processors, and small business owners say the return of power is a "dream come true," promising better service delivery, extended operating hours, and improved household lighting.
With the new transformers now in place, UEDCL and the Ministry of Energy hope that strict enforcement and community vigilance will sustain progress and deter future vandalism.
