UEDCL warns public against hanging posters and flags on electricity lines
“All political actors are being urged by UEDCL to prevent their agents from displaying flags and campaign posters on electricity powerlines and assets, such as poles and transformers,” Kiiza said.
Kiiza explained that trending social media videos showing political candidates’ agents riskily displaying national flags and posters on electricity wires and other power assets during the current pre-election period had drawn the company’s attention.
KAMPALA - Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, warned members of the public and political actors against hanging posters and flags on electricity lines.
In a statement, Jonan Kiiza, the head of corporate and stakeholder affairs at UEDCL, said the practice posed serious safety risks.
“All political actors are being urged by UEDCL to prevent their agents from displaying flags and campaign posters on electricity powerlines and assets, such as poles and transformers,” Kiiza said.
Kiiza explained that trending social media videos showing political candidates’ agents riskily displaying national flags and posters on electricity wires and other power assets during the current pre-election period had drawn the company’s attention.
“These acts are extremely dangerous not only to those hanging or lacing them but to the entire community because they can cause unwarranted power blackouts and cause personal harm/electrocution to anyone who gets in close contact with the energised lines,” Kiiza added.
“The videos and photos of political candidates’ agents hanging flags near high voltage power lines are extremely risky and should be denounced by all leaders and the Electoral Commission (EC) because they violate Sections 87 (1) of the Electricity Act, 2022 as amended. To prevent life-threatening situations and unnecessary power outages, UEDCL further encourages the public to avoid any work near or beneath powerlines,” Kiiza stated.
He said UEDCL management places high value on public safety, as well as the protection of its electricity infrastructure.
“Our commitment to maintain power availability during this election season and beyond is unwavering,” he noted.
Uganda goes to the polls on January 15, 2026, when voters will elect a president, Members of Parliament and local government leaders.
Eight candidates have expressed interest in the presidency and will be campaigning to unseat the incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement.
Other contenders include Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform, Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party, Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party, James Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change, and Gregory Mugisha Muntu Oyera of the Alliance for National Transformation.
Also in the race are Munyangwa Mubarak Sserunga of the Common Man’s Party and Frank Bulira Kabinga of the Revolutionary People’s Party.