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UEDCL steps up fight against bush burning to cut costs and load shedding

17 February 2026, 11:57 am

UEDCL officials and district leaders during the engagement meeting in Lira. Photo: Okwong Geoffrey

By Okwong Geoffrey

Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has intensified efforts to curb bush burning across six districts, warning that the practice is contributing to frequent power outages, destruction of electricity infrastructure, and rising operational costs.

Leaders from six districts convened on Thursday at the Lira District Council Hall for a stakeholders’ engagement meeting organized by UEDCL to address the growing challenge of bush burning. The meeting brought together political leaders, security officials and civil servants to discuss practical measures to tackle the vice.

Speaking during the engagement, Duncan Mwesigwa, the Manager Territorial Operations for the Central North Service Territory, said uncontrolled fires damage electricity poles, wires and transformers, leading to load shedding and increased maintenance expenses that ultimately affect consumers.

Mwesigwa, who also serves as Head of Commercial Operations in the Central North region covering parts of East Lango, Abim down to Masindi, noted that the region is relatively more industrialized compared to other parts of Northern Uganda.

He revealed that the company collects about UGX 10 billion monthly from the region, translating to approximately UGX 120 billion annually. However, he warned that if bush burning is not controlled, revenue could decline and small cottage industries that depend on stable electricity supply may collapse.

Duncan Mwesigwa on costs met in maintaining power supply, fight against bush burning impact-Eng

LCV Chairperson for Lira District, RCM Okello Orik, described bush burning as a dangerous practice that remains common in some communities. He noted that in parts of Acholi sub-region, the availability of idle land and hunting activities contribute to the practice, while others burn bushes to clear farmland ahead of the planting season.

Okello Orik on vacant land, a factor contributing to bush burning-Eng

In his closing remarks, Peter Douglas Okao, the LCV Chairperson for Omoro District, challenged leaders to become ambassadors of UEDCL in the fight against bush burning.

Okao observed that the region is promoting local businesses and expanding coffee growing, both of which depend on reliable power supply and environmental conservation. He pledged full support from Omoro District in mobilizing communities to end the vice.

Douglas Peter Okao on joining hands with UEDCL in the anti-bush burning campaign-Eng

The districts represented at the meeting included Pader, Abim, Omoro, Apac, Kwania and Lira. Among those in attendance were RDCs, Deputy RDCs, LCV Chairpersons, CAOs and other political and technical leaders.