More than 22 kilometres of a key electricity distribution line linking Apac and Kiryandongo districts were vandalised over a two-year period, with residents and local leaders blaming delayed repairs, weak enforcement and a thriving scrap metal trade for the destruction.
The affected 33KV power distribution line runs from Ibuje Town Council to Masindi Port Ferry through Igoti Trading Centre in Aganga Parish, Ibuje Sub-county. The line was intended to serve as a critical interconnection between substations in Lira and Hoima, strengthening power reliability in the region.
According to residents, the vandalism began in September 2018 when a power pole collapsed and blocked a community access road. Despite reports to local leaders and the then power distributor, no repairs were carried out.
‘When the pole fell down on the road in our area, we informed the local leaders and even the people of UMEME were informed, but none of them responded,’ said Jimmy Bongonyinge, a resident of Chakali Trading Centre in Tarogali Parish. ‘After two weeks, people mobilised and destroyed the pole and the wires.’
The situation worsened during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 when strong winds brought down additional poles in Tarogali Parish, again obstructing roads. Residents dismantled some of the damaged structures to clear access routes, while conductors and cables were allegedly sold to scrap dealers.
What started as isolated incidents quickly evolved into widespread vandalism. Residents say scrap dealers from neighbouring districts capitalised on the situation, purchasing aluminium and copper conductors removed from the line in broad daylight.
The destruction eventually spread across more than 100 poles covering a distance of about 22 kilometres.
Walter Obang, a resident of Teboke Village, said delayed repairs encouraged lawlessness.
‘The vandalism started when the poles fell down and the distributors delayed repairs. Locals took advantage of the situation, removed the cables and sold them to scrap dealers,’ he said.
Authorities say some suspects were arrested and detained at Ibuje Police Station, but the cases collapsed after the then power distributor failed to pursue prosecution.
Tom Ebong Coda, the area NRM chairperson, said police initially responded to reports.
‘I reported the issue to Ibuje Police Station and they arrested some people, but they were released after two days and the case died there,’ he said.
Under the Electricity Act, 2022, vandalism of electricity infrastructure attracts severe penalties, including up to 12 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Shs1 billion for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to Shs2 billion.
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) says plans are underway to restore the damaged line.
Isaac Odong, the UEDCL Area Manager for Apac, said a refurbishment proposal has already been submitted to regulators for approval.
‘That work was scoped and forwarded to the Electricity Regulatory Authority. It has to be captured in the tariff for us to have funding for the works,’ Mr Odong said.
‘We are looking forward to creating a ring circuit connecting Lira Substation and Hoima.’
He added that community sensitisation campaigns have begun to encourage residents to protect electricity infrastructure.
‘People should appreciate that this is a very expensive investment by government. We are encouraging residents to report suspicious activities along power lines,’ he said.
Power sector officials say vandalism and electricity theft continue to impose heavy costs on the country. Uganda loses an estimated Shs2.6 billion annually through vandalism and power theft, while the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited spends more than Shs600 million each year repairing damaged transmission infrastructure.
Experts warn that the destruction not only disrupts electricity supply but also diverts resources that could otherwise be used to expand the national grid and improve access to affordable power.