Kabale municipality is grappling with a concerning issue of prolonged darkness within Kabale town, prompting municipal leaders to urgently call upon authorities to address the situation. For the past month, residents have been navigating through the town’s streets in obscurity, as street lights along key stretches remain non-functional.
The predicament arose after the upgrade of street lights from solar-powered systems to the national grid (UMEME) due to climatic changes in Kabale district. However, this transition has been fraught with challenges, leaving Kabale town enveloped in darkness during the night hours.
Emmanuel Byamugisha Sentaro, expressing the concerns of municipal leaders, emphasized the critical role of street lighting in curbing crime and enhancing security. He noted a surge in criminal activities under the cover of darkness and called upon the Uganda National Roads Authority and the central government to expedite payments to ensure the restoration of functional street lights for the safety and well-being of Kabale residents.
Councilor Kwasibwe John Bosco of LC3 Central Ward echoed these sentiments, highlighting the correlation between the lack of street lighting and the rise in crime rates. He underscored the pressing need for prompt action to address the issue and restore safety to the town’s streets.
In response to queries, Peter Kawujju, Public Relations Officer of UMEME, clarified that there have been no disconnections of street lights in Kabale. He attributed the problem to potential connection issues and assured residents that UMEME teams are diligently working to resolve the issue.
Allan Sempala, PRO of Uganda Roads Authority, acknowledged the technical challenges affecting street lights in Kabale. He disclosed that approximately 10% of street lights in the town are currently non-functional. Sempala reassured residents that the authority has initiated an assessment process to identify and rectify the underlying issues. Financial resources are being sought, with plans underway to commence repairs by the end of the month.
The persisting darkness in Kabale town underscores a longstanding challenge with power infrastructure in the area. As municipal leaders and authorities work towards a resolution, residents remain hopeful for the swift restoration of functional street lights to illuminate their paths and ensure their safety.
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