The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has issued a strong warning to politicians and their campaign teams against placing posters on electricity poles and wires, citing serious safety and operational risks.
According to UEDCL spokesperson Jonan Kiiza, the company has already begun observing cases of campaign materials being attached to electrical infrastructure in various parts of the country.
He described the practice as extremely dangerous, not only to those directly involved but also to surrounding communities.
Kiiza explained that when posters are placed near or on live wires, they can cause short circuits, which may disrupt the power supply and, more alarmingly, lead to fatal accidents.
He urged all campaign agents and individuals involved in the distribution of political materials to steer clear of power lines and related infrastructure.
The warning comes at a time of heightened political activity as the Electoral Commission continues to nominate candidates ahead of the 2026 general elections.
With campaign preparations ramping up, UEDCL is concerned that safety guidelines are being ignored in the rush to secure visibility for candidates.
Kiiza emphasized that even UEDCL’s trained technicians do not work near power lines unless the electricity has been switched off, underscoring the dangers posed to untrained individuals who attempt to mount posters in such areas.
UEDCL has called on all political parties to sensitize their teams about the dangers of tampering with the national electricity distribution network.
The company also urged the public to report any incidents of poster placement on electrical poles, warning that continued interference could lead to outages and endanger lives during the campaign season.
By Ben Musanje
15th Sept 2025
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