VANESSA A
Alex Asiimwe, Manager of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) Rukungiri Branch, has urged tree harvesters and lumberers in the district to consult the utility before cutting trees near electricity infrastructure.
In an exclusive interview, Asiimwe warned that cutting trees close to power lines or poles can cause outages, accidents, and other serious consequences. He cited Section 53(1)(c) of the Electricity Act (1999), as amended, noting that interference with electricity supply is a punishable offense.
“Harvesting trees without proper guidance can bring down wires, putting lives at risk. It also increases theft, disrupts businesses, and leaves schools in darkness,” Asiimwe said.
He added that repairing damaged poles and wires imposes unplanned costs on the country, diverting resources from development projects. “Obstructing or interfering with electricity supply lines is a crime and can lead to imprisonment,” he emphasized.
Asiimwe called on forest owners, lumberers, and community members who plan to cut trees to approach the Rukungiri UEDCL offices. He said officials can provide technical guidance on how to safely harvest trees without affecting power lines or, if necessary, temporarily disconnect electricity to prevent damage.
