Public encouraged to join fight against electricity vandalism
He assured stakeholders that UEDCL is well-prepared to assume full responsibility, having retained 85% of UMEME’s former workforce.
Hoima: The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has called on the public to play an active role in safeguarding Uganda’s electricity infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need to combat electricity vandalism and promote electrical safety.
During a stakeholder engagement held on Friday at HB Hotel in Hoima City, ERA officials met with members of the media and key players in the electricity sector to address ongoing challenges in power distribution and public safety.
Mariam Ramadan Nanono, an ERA official based in Gulu, highlighted the dangers posed by substandard electrical installations and faulty wiring. She noted that such issues often lead to fatal accidents in local communities and stressed the importance of adhering to proper electrical standards.
“We urge the public to prioritize electrical safety in their homes and businesses,” Nanono said. “Poor installations are not only illegal but also life-threatening.”
Daniel Olinga, head of ERA’s northern regional office, addressed concerns surrounding the transition from UMEME to Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). He assured stakeholders that UEDCL is well-prepared to assume full responsibility, having retained 85% of UMEME’s former workforce.
“This ensures continuity and stability in service delivery,” Olinga explained. “UMEME was originally brought in because the government lacked the resources to handle power distribution. Today, that capacity has been built, and it is now our collective responsibility to protect the infrastructure from vandalism.”
Olinga further emphasized that electricity vandalism continues to cost the government billions of shillings annually, calling it a significant threat to the country’s development goals.
“We need every citizen to be vigilant. Report vandalism. Protect our transformers and power lines this is our national investment,” he added.
ERA’s engagement in Hoima is part of a broader campaign to strengthen public awareness on safe electricity use and the importance of preserving power infrastructure.
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