Residents of Kabale Municipality have expressed growing concern over non-functioning street lights, warning that the situation is posing a serious security risk and disrupting night-time economic activities.
According to residents, many of the street lights were initially powered by solar energy. However, officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport later removed the solar panels and batteries and connected the system to the national electricity grid. Shortly after the transition, the lights stopped working, leaving large sections of the municipality in darkness, particularly during evening and night hours.
Residents say the lack of lighting has created a conducive environment for criminal activities such as robbery and vandalism. They note that wrongdoers are taking advantage of poorly lit areas, increasing fear among community members, especially those who work at night.
Eliazare Ainebyona, a boda boda rider operating at Mahonde stage along the Kabale–Katuna Road, said poor lighting has made it difficult to safely transport passengers at night. He explained that both riders and passengers are now exposed to greater risks due to limited visibility.
Similarly, Johnson Mugisha, a cobbler working at Kabale Central Market, highlighted the dangers traders face due to insecurity and darkness.
“The situation has negatively affected business operations, particularly during evening hours,” Mugisha noted.
Other residents, including Galas Niwandinda, a boda boda rider at Zain stage along Kabale–Kisoro Road, and John Byaruhanga from Rwakaraba in Northern Division, observed that when the street lights were functional, they helped reduce road accidents and improve overall security.
“The current situation has significantly increased risks, with many now fearing for their safety,” residents said.
Residents further revealed that poor lighting has disrupted night-time economic activities, as many workers are now reluctant to operate due to fear of attacks and theft.
They are now calling on the Ministry of Works and Transport to urgently restore the street lights. Many are specifically advocating for the reinstatement of the solar-powered system, which they describe as more reliable than the current electricity-based setup.
In response, Kabale Municipal Town Clerk, Hajji Jamil Kasajja, acknowledged the issue and assured residents that steps are being taken to address it.
“The municipality has already secured a budget to repair the street lights under its jurisdiction, and a contractor has been engaged to assess and fix the faulty systems,” Kasajja said.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Ministry of Works and Transport were unsuccessful, as repeated phone calls to responsible officials went unanswered.