UEDCL Warns Against Bush Fires Destroying Power Lines

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has cautioned communities against the rampant bushfires in the Acholi sub-region. 

According to Jonan Kizza, the UEDCL spokesperson, the fires have caused unprecedented damage to electricity infrastructure, mainly electric poles and transmission wires.

He says that burning bushes near power lines, are making electricity supply unstable.  

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Kizza explained that the chemicals used to preserve wooden poles always become ineffective when frequently exposed to fire, making the poles burn like ordinary wood. "I urged communities to adopt safer bush-clearing methods, such as use of chemicals instead of setting fires," he explained.

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Meanwhile, residents in the Pader, Abim, Agago, and Kotido Districts suffer the most power-reported outages especially due to damaged poles, caused by fire.

Many power users reported burned appliances and disrupted businesses. Julius, an electronics businessman expressed frustration saying that unreliable electricity is affecting livelihoods. He called on the responsible authorities to address the issue urgently as locals are in jeopardy.  

With UEDCL set to take over power distribution from Umeme on April 1, 2025, Kizza assured Ugandans of better service delivery. He emphasized the need for community sensitization, warning, that "any destruction of power infrastructure, whether through fire or vandalism, will lead to prolonged outages.

Kizza however stated that maintaining wooden poles is important, as they support a supply chain benefiting local farmers who grow trees for pole production. "The public should be mindful of economic and environmental factors when handling power infrastructure," Kizza explained.