UEDCL Warns Political Agents Against Hanging Posters and Flags on Electricity Lines
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has issued a strong warning to political agents, campaign teams, and the general public against hanging posters, banners, and flags on electricity lines and power infrastructure, citing serious safety and service risks.
In a statement released on Tuesday, UEDCL said the growing practice especially during the ongoing political season poses a grave danger to human life and threatens the stability of electricity supply across the country. The company noted that placing campaign materials on live power lines, poles, transformers, and substations can result in fatal electrocutions, fires, and widespread power outages.
UEDCL explained that many of the materials used in political branding, including wires, nails, metallic strings, and plastic ropes, can easily interfere with live conductors. During windy or rainy conditions, these materials may cause short circuits, damage equipment, or pull down power lines, putting pedestrians, motorists, and nearby communities at risk.
The electricity distributor also raised concern over the financial losses incurred through vandalism and emergency repairs, warning that such actions divert resources that would otherwise be used to improve service delivery and expand electricity access.
UEDCL reminded political actors that power infrastructure is protected under the law and that anyone found tampering with or misusing it will face legal consequences. The company urged political parties and their agents to use designated advertising spaces approved by local authorities and to ensure their campaigns do not endanger public safety.
As the country moves deeper into the campaign period, UEDCL appealed for cooperation from all stakeholders, emphasizing that safeguarding electricity infrastructure is a shared responsibility.
“We support democratic participation, but it must be conducted in a manner that does not put lives at risk or disrupt essential services,” the statement emphasized.
