KAMPALA.
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) , the national power distributor , has cautioned politicians and their agents against displaying campaign posters and flags on electricity power lines.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, UEDCL said it has observed a rise in social media videos and photographs showing political candidates’ agents placing national flags and campaign materials on electricity wires, utility poles and transformers. The company said the practice poses a danger to both individuals involved and the wider public.
According to UEDCL Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs, Jonan Kiiza, the actions could result in serious harm and service interruptions. “These acts are extremely dangerous not only to those hanging or placing them, but to the entire community because they can cause unwarranted power blackouts and cause personal harm or electrocution to anyone who gets in close contact with the energized lines,” Kiiza said.
UEDCL noted that the placement of materials near high-voltage power lines contravenes Section 87 (1) of the Electricity Act, 2022, as amended. The company said such violations increase the risk of life-threatening accidents and unplanned power outages, particularly during periods of heightened political activity.
The electricity distributor also urged leaders and the Electoral Commission to denounce the practice, adding that members of the public should avoid working near or beneath power lines. UEDCL said its electricity assets, including poles and transformers, are critical to maintaining supply and should not be interfered with.
The company reiterated that ensuring public safety and protecting electricity infrastructure remain priorities during the election season and beyond, warning that unsafe activities around power lines could have widespread consequences for communities and electricity availability.