NTUNGAMO, Uganda – Electricity supply has been restored in several parts of Ntungamo District following the installation of new transformers to replace units that had remained nonfunctional or vandalized since 2018. The development has been welcomed by residents, institutions, and businesses that have endured years without reliable power.
The affected communities originally received transformers under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) project seven years ago. However, according to UEDCL Area Manager Belinda Murungi, many of the units developed technical faults almost immediately after installation.
“Some transformers failed on the day they were commissioned, while others malfunctioned within the same month. Unfortunately, communities did not receive replacements until now,” Murungi said.
Local speculation has also arisen regarding whether the restoration is linked to President Yoweri Museveni’s scheduled visit to Ntungamo on November 27, though authorities have not confirmed any connection.
The situation in the district worsened over the years due to increased vandalism of electrical equipment. During a handover event in Ruhaama, the Ministry of Energy delivered seven new transformers to support the restoration of power.
Eng. Abdon Atwiine, Commissioner in the Rural Electrification Department at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, condemned the persistent destruction of power infrastructure, noting that over 12 transformers had been vandalized in the district.
“This habit of vandalizing transformers and extracting oil is harmful it plunges communities into darkness, hampers development, and even poses health risks, as some people use the oil in street food like chips,” Atwiine said.
He added that the new installations form part of a nationwide electrification programme aimed at connecting more than one million new customers. Atwiine urged residents to apply for connections so records remain accurate and service delivery can be streamlined.
He further revealed that the Ministry is reviewing policies to ensure tougher penalties for individuals who vandalize electrical equipment.
Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Miriam Kagaiga issued a strong warning against any attempts to tamper with the newly restored infrastructure.
“We cannot allow destruction of transformers to continue. Anyone found vandalizing power lines or transformers will face severe punishment,” she cautioned.
For many households and businesses, the return of electricity marks an opportunity for renewed economic activity.
“We have been without power for years. When the first transformers were installed, we expected our businesses to improve, but the supply did not last,” said Sarah Arinitwe from Rugarama Cell.
Schools, salon operators, coffee processors and small enterprises across the district expressed optimism that reliable electricity will improve service delivery, extend working hours and enhance productivity.
With the new transformers now in place, UEDCL and the Ministry of Energy are banking on tighter enforcement and community vigilance to safeguard infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted service.
