Uganda’s electricity sector has made significant strides, with the national grid now spanning 5,295 kilometres and electricity access reaching approximately 57 percent of the population, with 38 percent on-grid and 19 percent off grid.
Despite these achievements, electricity infrastructure vandalism remains a major threat to power supply reliability and access. The ongoing destruction of power infrastructure significantly undermines Uganda’s goal of achieving 80 percent national grid connection under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
Uganda has implemented key projects to expand electricity access, including the Rural Electrification Programme, the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project funded by the World Bank, and the GET Access Program supported by the government of Uganda, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the European Union.
However, despite these initiatives, the country continues to face persistent power blackouts and limited electricity access. One of the major contributors to this problem being the vandalism of electricity infrastructure which has continued to disrupt power supply and threaten economic stability.
In April 9,2026, Uganda police arrested the suspects who allegedly posed as officials from the UEDCL. It was reported that the suspects dressed in UEDCL’s uniforms and gained access to a primary school under the pretext of taking meter readings. They allegedly climbed the pole and removed electric cables supplying power to the school.
The impact of vandalism on Uganda’s economy and society is severe. Power blackouts not only disrupt homes and businesses but also increase operational costs for industries, hospitals, and educational institutions. Unreliable electricity slows down industrial production, resulting in higher costs for manufacturers, job losses, and reduced government revenue.
Additionally, Investors who rely on stable power supply may shift their businesses to countries with more reliable infrastructure, further affecting economic growth.
Ultimately, it is Ugandans who bear the financial burden of vandalism. The cost of replacing stolen or damaged infrastructure contributes to maintaining or even increasing electricity tariffs, making power less affordable for consumers.
The vandalism of Uganda’s electricity infrastructure is a crisis that threatens national development. If left unchecked, it will continue to undermine industrialization, job creation, and the overall economy.
Therefore, I call up on the government of Uganda, to enforce the use of the Electricity Amendment Act 2022, and also, put measures on community surveillance and tighter regulation of the scrap industry. By working together, government, communities, businesses, and security agencies Uganda can safeguard its power infrastructure, ensure reliable electricity, and create a more prosperous future for all.