Eng. Joselynne R. Rwabwogo

𝐔𝐄𝐃𝐂𝐋 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐳𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has commenced the installation of bird guards along the Waligo feeder to improve electricity supply reliability in Gayaza and neighbouring areas. The intervention targets a section of the power line linking Kawanda and Waligo substations, which serves communities including Gayaza, Kyanja, Kungu, Masooli, Busukuma, Nangabo, Nalyamagonja, Komamboga, Kitetikka, Namere, Lusanja, Kiteezi and Kitala, as well as industrial customers such as Ugachick. According to UEDCL, the feeder has experienced frequent power interruptions caused by marabou storks attracted to a nearby landfill in Kawanda. The installation of insulated bird guards will help prevent bird-related faults by reducing accidental contact with live conductors. Once completed, the project is expected to improve power supply reliability for approximately 25,000 customers, minimise outages, protect Uganda's electricity infrastructure, and support biodiversity conservation by safeguarding the protected marabou stork. The initiative also aligns with environmental conservation efforts under the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) while strengthening the reliability and resilience of the country's electricity distribution network.