By Bazio Doreen.

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL LTD) and district leaders from Adjumani have launched an ‘Anti-Bush fires’ campaign as part of a partnership to reduce power outages and protect electricity poles from destruction.

According to Peter Okoboi, the UEDCL Senior Technical Engineer, at least 12 electricity poles were burnt by bush fires in Adjumani within 86 hours causing power outages. In the North Western region, about 51 electricity poles were burnt in Moyo, Pabo, Anaka and Gulu towns.

Hon. Mangapi Lawrence, the LCIII Adjumani Town Council, however observed that the current poles made out of pines are weak compared to eucalyptus ones that were used in past.  

 “The electricity poles you people are giving us are these poles made out of pines. And those days when we were young, the poles that are made are out of eucalyptus. Don’t we have eucalyptus now in Uganda? Why are you people interested only in pine poles and yet they are weak? Let’s get back to eucalyptus,” he said.

Similarly, Hon. Kaijuka Arthur Richard, the District Vice Chairperson, also wondered about the difference between the poles used in the 1980s and those used in the 2000s, noting that older poles could withstand nearby fires.

“I remember well the poles in the 1980s even if fire passes nearby it doesn’t catch fire. But these days the poles easily get the fire we are seeing. What is the difference? Don’t we think it is what is you are using that’s killing the poles?” he asked.

However, Hon. Ondoa Korina, the Secretary for Production, observed that the problem is beyond poles as the mindset of the communities is negative towards enforcement of ordinances on environment protection including curtailing bush fires.

“Some politicians are afraid to point out the challenges due to fear of backlash while those who do are fought. We need to have all stakeholders onboard,” Hon. Ondoa said.

Indeed the issue of mindset change is being addressed by the district authorities. According to Giyaya Charles, the District Natural Resources Officer, the district is supporting sub counties and town councils to enact by laws on disaster management, and environment protection.

He also said that there is a need to hold consultative meetings at the village level to find lasting solutions.

On his part, Inspector of Police Echodu Samuel, the District Crime Intelligence Officer, said this is crucial because police faces a challenge to arrest perpetrators since the communities protect them making identification a challenge.

In response, Noeline Biribonwa, the Senior Stakeholders and Engagement Officer UEDCL, said this needs to be addressed promptly because communities need to know that a burnt pole can have far reaching effects.

“What if the day electricity has gone off due to a burnt pole is the same as when you have a patient in the hospital who could potentially die due to an outage. We should all be responsible and proactive,” Noeline argued.

Meanwhile, the meeting agreed that: installation of electricity poles should align with physical development plans; enact a traditional bylaw since bush burning is seen as cultural practice; and scale up sensitization. Leaders also requested the government to consider transferring the power station from Bibia to Adjumani.

West Nile was officially connected to the Ugandan national grid on August 3rd, 2024, via a 132kV transmission line from Olwiyo to Arua, ending decades of reliance on the isolated 3.5MW Nyagak I hydropower plant and heavy fuel thermal generators.

END.