KAMPALA — The Ministry of Works and Transport expects to restore faulty streetlights along Kampala’s Northern Bypass by the end of October, following widespread vandalism and damage to electrical installations that have left sections of the road in darkness.
The ministry says repairs are underway after thieves reportedly removed electrical cables, circuits and other components from the lighting infrastructure along the busy road.
Ministry spokesperson Khadija Nnakakande said the vandalism has affected several installations, with sections around Kyebando and some flyovers among the areas facing major challenges.
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According to the ministry, some offenders dig into the ground to remove wiring connecting the streetlight poles. Covers and terminal blocks have also reportedly been stolen, with some components sold as scrap.
The damage has complicated efforts to keep the lighting system operational, particularly where several connected lights are affected by a single incident.
Nnakakande said the current damage was more extensive than previous incidents involving a smaller number of poles that could be repaired individually. She also pointed to road crashes, which have knocked down poles and damaged nearby installations.
The ministry has said its technical teams have started repair work and expects the affected lights to be restored before the month ends.
Darkness raises concerns among road users
The lack of functioning streetlights has raised concerns among motorists, taxi operators and other people who use the Northern Bypass at night.
Some taxi drivers have reported that passengers are reluctant to travel through certain sections after dark because of fears about their safety.
Poor lighting can also make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, road hazards and other vehicles, particularly in areas where visibility is already limited.
The extent of the disruption varies along the route, and the ministry has identified sections around Kyebando and flyovers as some of the most affected areas.
The promised repairs are expected to improve nighttime visibility once the damaged installations are restored, although the ministry’s end-of-October timeline remains a target.
Ministry appeals for protection of public infrastructure
The ministry has urged members of the public to stop vandalising streetlights, warning that the damage undermines infrastructure intended to benefit road users.
The repeated theft of cables and other electrical components creates additional maintenance costs and can leave sections of the road without lighting even after repair work has been completed.
The Northern Bypass is an important transport corridor around Kampala, serving commuters and vehicles travelling between different parts of the city and connecting routes.
Road users will be watching to see whether the ministry meets its stated deadline and whether the restored lights remain operational.
For updates on road infrastructure and transport services, readers can also consult the Ministry of Works and Transport’s official website.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
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