Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has enlisted cultural leaders in Acholi, Lango, and Madi sub-regions to spearhead community sensitization against bush burning, a practice the company says is increasingly destroying electricity infrastructure.
Since taking over electricity distribution from Umeme Limited last year, UEDCL reports significant losses in northern Uganda caused by bush fires deliberately set by communities during the dry season.
At least 47 electricity poles have been burnt this season across Acholi and parts of Madi, including areas in Amuru, Adjumani, and Gulu City, resulting in major financial losses and prolonged power interruptions for consumers.
Jonan Kiiza, Head of Communication and Corporate Affairs at UEDCL, says the company has launched a new round of community engagements, focusing on working through cultural institutions to influence behavioral change.
The initiative began yesterday in Acholi Subregion with the aim of “winning their hearts” to sensitize local communities to protect electricity poles.
Paul Ssempiira Ssewava, Head of Commercial and Operations Services at UEDCL, explains that replacing a single electricity pole costs between 1 million and 2.5 million shillings, excluding man-hours, transport, and other costs.
He notes that replacing the poles burnt over the weekend in Customs Corner, Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City, three in total, cut off electricity to 1,600 clients, took 15 hours to restore, and resulted in a loss of 38 million shillings in sales.
By URN
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