By KT Reporter
Kitgum Municipal Council has invested Shs200 million in the procurement of 32 solar street lights aimed at enhancing security and safety across the municipality. The lights, which will be installed in strategic locations, are expected to improve visibility at night and help deter crime.
Richard Okwera Ojara, the Mayor of Kitgum Municipality, said the street lights will be distributed across the three municipal divisions. Twelve will be installed along the Kitgum–Gulu Highway, from Yotkom Medical Centre to Pandwong Muslim Primary School in Pandwong Division. Another 12 will be placed along the Corner Mission Central Business District on the Kitgum–Madi Opei Highway in Pager Division.
Four street lights will illuminate Irene Gleeson Road, stretching from the Irene Gleeson Foundation gate to Kitgum Comprehensive College’s main campus in Central Division. The remaining four will be installed at the new temporary bus park at the defunct Kitgum Airfield in Pandwong Division. Ojara noted, however, that the installation at the bus park is temporary and the lights will be relocated when the park is decommissioned.
“Well-lit streets can deter criminal activity and make residents feel safer, especially at night,” Ojara said. He emphasized that the project—funded through locally raised revenue—is part of the council’s broader commitment to improving urban safety and infrastructure.
The solar lights, currently awaiting transportation from Kampala, are expected to be fully installed by July 17th. Ojara also noted that the municipality’s investment in solar lighting is in line with Kitgum’s vision of becoming a city and promoting sustainable development. “The use of solar street lights is a step towards sustainable development. Solar energy is a renewable source that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and minimizes carbon emissions,” he said. He concluded that the initiative aligns with global climate action goals and demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to ensuring that no part of Kitgum is left in darkness-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
