Uganda's electricity sector has made significant strides, with the national grid now spanning 5,295 kilometers and electricity access reaching approximately 57% of the population.
However, these gains are under threat due to escalating incidents of electricity infrastructure vandalism, which continue to disrupt power supply and threaten economic stability.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with NBS Television on Thursday, the Manager of Security at the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), Ronald Bogere, described the scale of the problem as "almost a crisis."
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"At UETCL, we are facing serious challenges with vandalism. Citizens have deliberately cut down transmission towers, which are critical for delivering reliable electricity across the country. Some vandals operate for personal gain, while others act in syndicates to deliberately target angle towers and poles. These actions compromise power reliability, causing blackouts and affecting livelihoods, schools, and industries," he said.
Bogere cited a recent incident in Mukono, where vandals destroyed a transmission tower, resulting in a two-week disruption that halted industrial operations and led to job losses.
"Such incidents not only affect daily life but also discourage both local and foreign investment," he said.
According to Bogere, to adressy the rising threat, the Ugandan government has strengthened legal measures.
The Electricity Act of 1999 was amended in 2022 to include stricter penalties for vandalism.
Under the new law, individuals found guilty of damaging or transporting stolen electricity infrastructure face fines of up to Shs 1 billion or imprisonment for 12 years--or both. Repeat offenders risk fines of Shs 2 billion or 15 years in prison.
Bogere emphasized the importance of protecting electricity infrastructure as a vital component of national security and economic growth.
"Electricity powers our economy. Protecting it is not just a matter of convenience--it is essential for the country's development," he said.
In addition to legal enforcement, UETCL is promoting community policing to curb vandalism.
"The vandals often come from the communities themselves. By involving local residents in monitoring and protecting infrastructure, we can address the root causes and prevent future incidents," he said.
Bogere warned that the financial and operational costs of repairing damaged infrastructure are severe, underscoring the need for collective responsibility.
"If we work together as a nation, we can eliminate this crime and ensure that Uganda's electricity sector continues to support economic growth and social development," he said.
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