Gilbert Olanya, the Kilak South Member of Parliament has challenged the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development over claims that vandalism caused the collapse of several electricity transmission towers along the Karuma–Olwiyo–Pakwach power line.
The controversy follows statements by Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu and State Minister for Energy Sidronius Okaasai Opolot attributing the incident to widespread vandalism in Northern Uganda.
In a statement issued on the 3rd of this month, the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) said five towers along the Karuma–Olwiyo–Pakwach transmission line collapsed due to acts of vandalism.
The company added that it was already in advanced stages of procuring a contractor to restore the affected infrastructure, warning that vandalism disrupts power supply and poses serious risks to human life.
However, Olanya dismisses the explanation, arguing that the towers collapsed because of poor-quality materials and weak engineering rather than sabotage by residents.
He further questions the reported cost of the towers, claiming that although the government allegedly spent about 800 million Shillings on each structure, the metals used appeared weak and substandard.
Olanya has called for an independent investigation into the procurement and construction process, arguing that allegations of vandalism were being used to shield possible corruption and poor workmanship.
Neither UETCL nor the Ministry of Energy has publicly responded to concerns raised about the quality of transmission towers used across the country.
Attempts to obtain comments from Ministers Nankabirwa and Okaasai were unsuccessful as they could not be reached by phone.
By URN
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