Last week’s tragedy in Nama Village, Mukono where a suspected vandal died and others fled after bringing down high-voltage electricity transmission towers has once again exposed the scale of electricity infrastructure theft in the country and the urgent need for both public awareness and strengthened security measures. This incident is part of a disturbing trend. Across the country, there have been several incidents of transmission towers being cut down and power lines stolen for scrap. The motivation is often quick cash, but the consequences are national. Every time a tower collapses, thousands of people are thrown into darkness. Medical facilities delay treatment, businesses lose income, students lose valuable study hours, and entire communities suffer. In the area where I live, we have not received a single drop of national water for several days.
According to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, this disruption has been directly linked to the vandalism incident in Mukono. This reflects just how far-reaching the effects can be when critical infrastructure is compromised. Yet some Ugandans do not fully understand the severe impact or the deadly risks associated with these acts. This is why raising awareness must be at the centre of Uganda’s response. High-voltage power lines are not ordinary structures. They carry massive electrical currents that can kill instantly. Many vandals do not realise the life-threatening danger they expose themselves to when climbing or cutting metal from these towers.
This is why nationwide public awareness campaigns are essential. Communities must understand that electricity vandalism is not a victimless crime, it is a deadly act that endangers lives and slows national development. However, awareness alone is not enough. Uganda must also tighten security around critical power infrastructure. As vandalism becomes more sophisticated and organised, security efforts must evolve to match it. This includes increased patrols in high-risk areas, installation of surveillance technology such as alarm systems, sensors, real-time CCTV monitoring, and stronger collaboration between UETCL, security agencies, and local leaders. In many cases, these criminal acts occur late at night or in remote locations. Enhanced surveillance would allow authorities to detect suspicious activity early and intervene before damage is done.
Additionally, increasing the presence of security personnel near vulnerable transmission sites would act as a deterrent, sending a clear message that vandalism will not be tolerated. Local communities remain a key part of this security chain. Most power lines run through villages, meaning residents are the first to notice unusual movements. But without adequate awareness, many may not report these activities or may not consider it their responsibility. When the public understands the dangers and the economic losses caused by vandalism, they become more likely to alert authorities and protect their surroundings. Government agencies and electricity institutions should also increase transparency by sharing updates about vandalism incidents, successful arrests, and ongoing safety campaigns.
When citizens grasp the severity and frequency of these attacks, they are more likely to treat the issue with the urgency it deserves. The incident in Nama Village should not be treated as just another news story. It should be a national wake-up call, a reminder that protecting our electricity system is a shared responsibility. These are in fact the gains we should be protecting. If the public is informed, lives can be saved. If security is strengthened, infrastructure can be protected. And if both work together, Uganda can safeguard its electricity infrastructure progress.