Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has banned political agents and supporters from hanging campaign posters, party flags and national flags on electricity lines, poles and transformers, warning that the practice is illegal, life-threatening and capable of triggering widespread power blackouts during the election period.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, UEDCL said it had taken note of trending social media videos and photos showing political mobilisers recklessly mounting flags and posters on live electricity infrastructure across several parts of the country.
“All political actors are being urged to prevent their agents from displaying flags and campaign posters on electricity powerlines and assets, such as utility poles and transformers,” the notice reads in part.
The power distributor warned that such actions expose both the individuals involved and the wider public to the risk of electrocution, injury and prolonged outages, particularly where high-voltage lines are involved.
“These acts are extremely dangerous not only to those hanging or placing them, but to the entire community because they can cause unwarranted power blackouts and cause personal harm or electrocution to anyone who gets in close contact with the energised lines,” said Jonan Kiiza, the spokesperson of the agency.
He added that the practice violates Section 87(1) of the Electricity Act, 2022 (as amended), which prohibits unauthorised interference with electricity infrastructure and provides for penalties against offenders.
The company called on political leaders, the Electoral Commission and security agencies to denounce the practice, noting that election-season excitement must not be allowed to endanger lives or critical infrastructure.
“To prevent life-threatening situations and unnecessary power outages, the public is strongly encouraged to avoid any work near or beneath powerlines,” Kiiza said.
The UEDCL caution comes amid an ongoing national debate over the political misuse of the Uganda national flag, with images circulating online showing flags tied to power poles, traffic lights and overhead cables as campaign symbols.
Legal experts note that, beyond electricity safety laws, the National Flag and Emblems Act restricts improper use of the flag, including display in a manner that exposes it to danger, damage or disrespect.
UEDCL emphasised that its intervention is not political, but rooted in public safety and operational continuity. “The management of UEDCL places an elevated value on public safety as well as the protection of its electricity assets,” Kiiza said, adding that the company’s commitment to uninterrupted power supply during the election season remains firm.
“Our commitment to maintaining power availability during this election season and beyond is unwavering,” he added.
The power distributor warned that continued violations could result in law-enforcement action, removal of materials and possible prosecution, especially where infrastructure damage or outages occur.
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