Hon. Irene Muloni Brings Engineers to Fix Vandalized Power Network in Elgon North

Elgon North Constituency, Bulambuli District – In a bold move to address persistent electricity challenges affecting communities in Elgon North, Hon. Eng. Dr. Mrs. Irene Nafuna Muloni, the former Minister for Energy and Mineral Development and Woman Member of Parliament for Bulambuli District, has invited a high-level technical team from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to assess and restore vandalized and non-functional power infrastructure across the constituency.

The technical inspection, which was conducted alongside local leaders and community representatives, aimed at capturing all damaged power lines, faulty transformers, vandalized conductors and rotten poles that have for years kept many trading centres and villages in darkness despite being connected to the national grid.

Speaking during the exercise, Hon. Muloni said reliable electricity is a cornerstone for socio-economic transformation, adding that communities cannot benefit from government development programs if power infrastructure is left vandalized or neglected.

“Electricity is not a luxury; it is a driver of businesses, health services, education and household incomes. That is why we have brought UEDCL on the ground to ensure that Elgon North regains full power supply and continues enjoying the gains of the NRM government,” she said.

Areas Captured for Immediate Restoration

The UEDCL team documented several critical installations across Elgon North that require urgent intervention:

Gibuzale Trading Centre (Magumba, Bumugibole Sub-county): The transformer has been faulty for a long time. UEDCL has now scheduled it for replacement to restore supply to the entire trading centre.

Buginyanya Trading Centre: A new transformer structure will be erected in a more accessible location near the road, replacing the old one that was too far from service access.

Goozi Parish: The team was warmly welcomed by senior citizen Mr. Zebolo Everest, who expressed deep appreciation for the intervention as engineers inspected and prepared to rectify the transformer structure.

Bumugusha Transformer: This installation was found completely vandalized. Scrap parts were traced to the home of Mr. Wonanzofu Simon Peter, who admitted taking them for “safe custody.” The matter was recorded by the technical team for follow-up.

Bumwidyeki Transformer (Mabono Parish): The transformer structure exists but is overgrown by bushes, preventing access and maintenance.

Gamatimbei Transformer: Only the transformer structure remains. All conductors and poles were stolen, leaving the area without any functional electricity.

Kikuyu Trading Centre (Namisuni): The community reported that what remains is an empty transformer shell. Residents accused some local sub-county leaders of stealing copper wires and vandalizing poles in broad daylight, which has fueled tension and conflict in the area.

Kibanda Market (Sisiyi Sub-county): This transformer, installed under the CAIP program, was removed by UMEME on allegations of illegal power connections by the community. The issue has now been captured for resolution under UEDCL.

Jambula Area: Although the transformer is functional, poles along Bungwanyi Road near the Apostolic Church are rotten and cables are missing, putting the area at risk of total blackout.

Communities Welcome the Intervention

The technical visit has sparked renewed hope among residents, many of whom have endured years of unreliable or non-existent power supply. Traders, farmers and households expressed excitement upon learning that their issues have been officially captured for restoration.

Local leaders accompanying the team described the exercise as the most comprehensive power audit ever conducted in the constituency.

Muloni’s Campaign Message Resonates Hon. Muloni noted that her ongoing engagements with communities across Elgon North have been well received, with residents appreciating her hands-on approach to service delivery.

“People are tired of promises. They want action. That is why we brought the engineers here so that solutions begin immediately,” she said.

As UEDCL begins the technical interventions, the Elgon North Constituency is set to witness a major revival in electricity access — a critical step toward boosting trade, agro-processing, health services and job creation in the region.

With this initiative, Hon. Eng. Dr. Irene Muloni has once again demonstrated her commitment to delivering practical development and ensuring that Elgon North fully benefits from Uganda’s expanding national power network.