By Diana N.Kintu
Large parts of Mukono District were plunged into darkness yesterday following the collapse of high-voltage electricity transmission towers in what authorities have described as a deliberate act of vandalism. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, has also resulted in the tragic loss of one life, according to police.
In a joint statement issued by the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) and the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), the damage was traced to vandalism on the critical 132kV Owen Falls–Namanve transmission line. The affected towers, located along the Owen Falls–Mukono North and Mukono North–Namanve South sections, collapsed at approximately 03:02am, cutting off power supply to the Mukono North substation and triggering a widespread blackout.
The Uganda Police Force has confirmed the fatality linked to the incident and launched a full investigation to establish the circumstances leading to the damage and to identify the individuals responsible. Law enforcement officials have also cordoned off the scene as forensic and investigative teams gather evidence.
Following the blackout, UETCL immediately dispatched technical crews to the site to assess the scale of destruction. Engineers are currently working to replace and restore the fallen towers, though authorities warn that the process may take time due to the complexity and safety requirements associated with high-voltage infrastructure repairs.
In their statement, the electricity companies urged the public for patience and understanding as restoration efforts continue. They stressed that the work must be carried out with precision to avoid further risks and ensure that power is restored safely to homes, hospitals, businesses, and other critical services across the affected region.
The incident has renewed national attention on the escalating problem of vandalism targeting public utility infrastructure. Officials noted that beyond causing service interruptions, tampering with electricity installations poses serious risks to human life—risks starkly illustrated by the fatality recorded in this latest incident.
“This act is not only criminal but also extremely dangerous. Destroying electricity facilities jeopardizes lives and disrupts essential services,” the statement emphasised.
The public is being urged to play a proactive role in safeguarding national energy infrastructure. Authorities have encouraged residents to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity around power lines, pylons, substations, or transformers. Information can be relayed to the nearest police station or through any of the established toll-free emergency numbers: 0800203088, 0800285285, or 0800385385.
UETCL and UEDCL have expressed deep regret over the extensive power outage and the distress caused to households and businesses. The companies have also extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed their commitment to restoring electricity supply as soon as safely possible.
This major blackout highlights the critical importance of protecting Uganda’s power infrastructure from theft and vandalism—acts that not only inconvenience the public but can have devastating and life-threatening consequences.