The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has condemned the latest act of vandalism that left the entire Mukono District without power after unidentified individuals attempted to steal components from the Owen Falls transmission line early Tuesday morning.
According to UEDCL spokesperson John Nkiza, the outage occurred at around 3 a.m. when what he described as “electricity terrorists” targeted key infrastructure on the Owen Falls line, which belongs to UEDCL.
The attack caused the substation to lose supply, triggering a widespread blackout across the district.
Nkiza expressed regret over the disruption, noting that both domestic users and factories have been severely affected. He described the incident as a “painful setback,” especially for industries that depend on continuous power.
The spokesperson warned that vandalism has become a growing problem in Mukono, citing repeated attacks in villages around Katosi and Kalaji.
He appealed to local leaders, spiritual leaders and residents to help safeguard electricity installations, stressing that protecting government assets is essential for ensuring stable and reliable power supply.
Nkiza also highlighted the dangers associated with illegal interference with power lines, reminding the public that unauthorised access to the electricity network can be fatal.
He said lives have already been lost in similar attempts and that the blackout itself puts households and businesses at risk.
He cautioned that offenders will face serious legal consequences. Sections 85 and 86 of the Electricity Act prescribe penalties of up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to Shs1 billion, or both for anyone convicted of vandalising electricity infrastructure.
As UEDCL awaits Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) to repair the affected line, Nkiza urged residents of Mukono to remain calm.
He assured the public that UETCL’s technical and engineering teams are working to restore supply as quickly as possible, and power will return once repairs at the transmission end are completed.
