The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has decried the escalating cases of bush burning across the Northern Region, warning that the vice is causing extensive damage to electricity poles and triggering repeated power disruptions.
In a statement, UEDCL said the fires have severely compromised the integrity and stability of the power distribution network, leaving many communities without reliable electricity supply.
“Bush burning has escalated this season, causing extensive damage to electricity poles and resulting in repeated power disruptions across the Northern Region. The severity of the destruction has significantly compromised the integrity and stability of the distribution network,” the company stated.
UEDCL noted that beyond service interruptions, the financial burden of repairing the damaged infrastructure is substantial.
“Resources that would otherwise be invested in extending electricity access to new communities are now being diverted to emergency repairs and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure,” the statement added.
The company warned that the destruction not only inconveniences households and disrupts businesses, but also affects critical services including health facilities, schools, and water supply systems.
“These actions not only inconvenience households and disrupt businesses, but also affect critical services such as health facilities, schools, and water supply systems. Protecting electricity infrastructure is a shared responsibility,” UEDCL emphasized.
UEDCL urged the public to resort to safer land management practices.
“We strongly urge the public to desist from bush burning and to embrace safer land management practices,” these advised.
The power distributor has since called on communities to work closely with local leaders and authorities to prevent further destruction and safeguard electricity infrastructure.
