Kicwamva, Rubirizi – Residents of Busonga 1A, 2A, and 2B in Nyakashozi Parish, Kicwamba Sub-county, are in distress after thieves cut down electricity poles and stole power wires, leaving the area in darkness for three weeks.
The outage has caused traders to lose goods and made the village unsafe at night, with thefts rising due to the lack of lighting. Mr. Birungi Christopher, LC1 Chairperson of Busonga, said they have reported the matter to UEDCL and police but received no response, prompting them to go public.
He alleged that UEDCL staff may be involved, arguing that only their workers know how to climb poles. “We have seen unknown people in the area before the power went off. Shortly after, the wires were found missing and allegedly sold to others,” Birungi said. He called on leaders and security agencies to intervene and arrest the culprits, and warned that residents would take action themselves if the thieves are caught.
Mr. Kawa Evarist, Chairperson of Busonga Catholic Church, said residents fear for their lives as suspects exploit the darkness. He reported that the group had already raided Busonga Parents School and stolen animals.
Specioza Kamugisha, a trader at Busonga trading centre, said her goods went to waste after the outage. She said she took a loan to start her business and is now struggling to repay it. Kamugisha urged government and UEDCL to restore power urgently, noting that children have nowhere to study and traders fear break-ins at night due to the lack of security.
Agume Samuel, UEDCL technician in Rubirizi, confirmed the reports and said a theft case has been opened with police to trace the suspects. He said police have started investigations. Agume stated that all UEDCL staff carry identification and urged residents to verify anyone claiming to be staff and report suspects to police. He condemned the theft of electricity wires and warned that offenders would be arrested, prosecuted, and taken to court.
Story By: Tugume Muzafaru.
