UEDCL, Lamwo RDC warn against campaign posters on public infrastructure

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) and the Office of the Resident District Commissioner of Lamwo have jointly issued stern warnings against the misuse of public infrastructure particularly electricity poles and road signs by political campaign agents and supporters ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Joel Lakony, the UEDCL Area Manager in Kitgum, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of campaign posters and banners being tied to electric poles, describing the act as not only illegal but life-threatening.

“Dear electricity consumers, please stop tying campaign posters or any objects on electric poles. It’s dangerous and can cut off power, affecting businesses and lives,” Lakony warned.

He emphasized that electricity poles are critical national infrastructure that must remain free from tampering to prevent hazards such as electric shocks, power outages, and even fires.

“This habit, if not stopped, could lead to serious consequences. We urge everyone to take responsibility and help protect the grid,” he added.

Community support for the warning

The warning has sparked support from both residents and local leaders in Kitgum. Grace Akello, a tailor operating near the central market, shared her experience.

“Last year during elections, we had a blackout for almost a full day because someone placed a metal banner on a pole near the market. I support UEDCL on this. Politicians should be responsible.”

Okello Martin, a boda boda rider at Kitgum Main Stage, noted: “Power is life for some of us. We use it to charge phones and power shops. If someone carelessly hangs things on poles and we lose power, that’s not fair.”

Local leaders like James Opio, LC1 chairperson of Lamwo Town Council, also echoed UEDCL’s concerns: “We call upon all political agents to respect public infrastructure. The law is clear on this, and if anyone tampers with electricity infrastructure, they should be dealt with accordingly.”

Lakony further appealed to the public to report anyone seen attaching materials to electricity poles, adding that sensitization campaigns on electrical safety would soon be rolled out in the region.

RDC Lamwo cracks down on poster defacement of road signs

Meanwhile, in neighboring Lamwo District, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) William Komakech has sounded a similar warning to political agents over the defacing of road signs with campaign materials.

Speaking in an interview on civic responsibility, Komakech stressed that such actions are both illegal and dangerous to road safety. “We are already witnessing posters being pasted on road signs, especially in towns and trading centres.

“This is illegal and unacceptable. Road signs are crucial for guiding road users and ensuring safety. Obscuring them with campaign posters endangers lives,” Komakech said.

He urged political parties to follow guidelines set by the Electoral Commission and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), which prohibit tampering with public signage.

Komakech directed municipal enforcement officers and local security committees to remove illegal posters and penalize offenders.

“We are not against campaigning, but it must be done responsibly and within the confines of the law. Let’s keep our district safe and orderly,” he said, calling on aspiring candidates to promote issue-based campaigns and instruct their agents to respect public infrastructure.

Residents back the RDC’s warning

Residents in Lamwo have echoed the RDC’s position, citing past confusion caused by covered or defaced road signs.

“Sometimes you find the entire road sign covered, and you can’t even tell which direction to follow,” said Nancy Acan, a driver from Palabek. “It puts all of us at risk, especially visitors who don’t know the area well.”

As political activity intensifies ahead of the 2026 elections, authorities in both Kitgum and Lamwo are urging for strict adherence to campaign guidelines to safeguard public infrastructure and ensure safety and order during the electoral season.