By KT Reporter
There is fear among residents of Kikooza Village in Mukono Central Division following the deterioration of electricity poles and dangerously hanging power cables, which they say threaten their lives and property. Residents say they have for months raised concerns with the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), but their pleas have gone unanswered. The situation worsened after one of the wooden electricity poles in the area began to rot and lean dangerously, now supported only by the wall of a nearby home.
According to residents led by Anatoli Kasajja, the problem has been compounded by live electric wires hanging perilously low, some nearly touching the ground along paths frequently used by pedestrians, including schoolchildren. “The cables are too low. Even when I raise my hand, I can touch them,” Mr. Kasajja said. “If that pole falls, it could kill someone or set the whole place on fire.”
The village secretary, Faith Namatovu, confirmed that the matter has been reported several times to UEDCL but without any response. She said many residents now avoid the road out of fear of electrocution. “We’ve sent reports and even called their toll-free lines, but nothing has been done. People now fear walking past that area,” Ms. Namatovu said. Area councilor, Ronald Ssenabulya, described the situation as a disaster waiting to happen and urged the power distributor to intervene before tragedy strikes.
“This pole could collapse any moment. We appeal to UEDCL to come and replace it immediately to protect lives and property,” he said. Pastor George Malinga, another resident, said they turned to the media after several unsuccessful attempts to reach UEDCL directly. “We have tried calling, sending messages, and even reporting through local leaders, but there has been no action,” Pastor Malinga said. “Sometimes the only way to get attention in this country is through the media.” When contacted for a comment, UEDCL spokesperson Jonah Kizza said the company had not yet received an official report about the issue but promised a swift response once notified. “We are not aware of the problem yet, but once we receive the report, our technical team will assess and address it immediately,” he said.
Electricity-related challenges, including frequent outages and aging infrastructure, are common in several parts of Mukono District, prompting residents to call for stronger oversight and quicker responses from service providers. As the community waits for action, residents say they can only hope that tragedy does not strike before help arrives.
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