UEDCL launches anti-bush burning campaign in Northern Uganda

10 February 2026, 20:51

By Winnie Auma

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has launched an anti–bush burning campaign in Northern Uganda to improve on power supply.

Jonan Kiiza, the Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs at UEDCL, said bush burning has severely affected electricity reliability in the Northern Uganda especially in Acholi, Westnile and some parts of Lango sub-region.

He noted that at least 47 electricity distribution medium voltage poles have been destroyed by bush fires especially in the districts of Amuru, Adjumani and Gulu leading to frequent outages during this season.

Kiiza said the vice is also becoming rampant in Lango sub-region yet most electricity poles are wooden and highly vulnerable to fire, resulting in heavy losses and increased vandalism when power lines are de-energized.

He warned that bush burning and vandalism are criminal offences under the Electricity Act, with penalties of up to one billion shillings in fines or a jail term of up to 15 years.

Kiiza added that UEDCL has rolled out community engagements, radio sensitization programs, and partnerships with cultural, religious, and local leaders of Lango and Acholi to promote behavioral change and protect electricity infrastructure.

Paul Ssempira, the head of commercial services for Northern and Eastern Uganda said the impact of burning poles is vast to the company and on individuals who use power especially for business adding that it cost over 90 million shs to recover the 47 burnt poles.

He expressed dismay about the vice because the government spends alot of money to ensure there’s reliable powere supply in the community but some people chose to burn poles ignorantly.

Based on reports from early 2019, Umeme lost over UGX 900 million due to power outages in Northern Uganda caused by burnt electricity poles.