Two-month power blackout frustrates Hoima residents as wire theft surges in Kagadi
He confirmed that UEDCL has promised to restore power soon.
Hoima: Residents of Nyakambugu Ward in Hoima East Division have endured a two-month power blackout following the vandalism of electricity wires by unknown individuals, leaving over 120 homes in darkness.
According to Lawrence Katwesige, the area councilor and speaker of Hoima East Division, residents in Kihuule and Buhanika Lower cells have made several reports to relevant authorities including the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) and the office of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC), but no action has been taken so far.
“Despite our repeated pleas, we have not received any assistance. Our people continue to suffer in darkness,” said Katwesige.
Moses Muyambi, the Deputy RCC of Hoima East Division, confirmed that UEDCL has promised to restore power soon. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help reduce the rampant vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
In a related incident, Paacwa and Mabale town councils in Kagadi District are also grappling with power outages after unknown individuals some reportedly wearing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) uniforms stole electric wires in a late-night raid on Monday.
The vandalism occurred in areas including Kyadyooko in Mabale Town Council, and Kamata and Nyampindu cells in Paacwa Town Council. Witnesses say another attempted theft was foiled by nighttime travelers who spotted the culprits, prompting them to flee.
Justus Businge, LC3 Chairperson of Paacwa Town Council, condemned the incidents, highlighting the severe disruption to businesses and service delivery.
“This theft is not only criminal but economically damaging. We ask the community to be alert and report anything suspicious,” Businge stated.
Benjamin Tumusiime, Acting Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kagadi, has held an emergency meeting with UEDCL engineers and local security teams to devise measures to stop the thefts. He suspects the involvement of individuals with technical knowledge of electrical systems, potentially including insiders.
“Some of these crimes might be aided by people who understand the electricity network. We’re warning private contractors not to buy stolen electrical materials,” Tumusiime cautioned.
Residents with credible information on the suspects are encouraged to report to local authorities or the police to aid investigations and arrests.
Efforts to get a comment from Jonan Kiiza, the UEDCL spokesperson, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to repeated calls by press time.
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