Authorities in Kabale municipality, Kabale district, have expressed deep concern over the escalating incidents of vandalism targeting batteries and solar panels installed in street lights. The installation initiative, which commenced in June 2023, aimed to illuminate various streets in Kabale municipality, including Johnson Street, Jackson street, Rugarama street, and Katuna street.

Among the worst-hit areas are Johnson Street, connecting Kabale town to the district headquarters and Kabale regional referral hospital, Jackson Street linking Kabale town to the golf course, and Rugarama Street, which connects the town to the Diocese of Kigezi.

Following these claims, our reporter visited these locations and found that batteries and solar panels had been systematically stolen, leaving the streets in darkness.
Kedress Mutabazi, Deputy Mayor of Kabale municipality, and Sam Arinaitwe, Chairman of Central Division, expressed their dismay over the situation.

They emphasized the significant financial investment made by the government in installing these street lights, highlighting their importance to the community.

The authorities revealed that over 1 billion UGX was spent on the installation project.
The municipal authorities called on the government to reconsider the current solar system approach and explore the possibility of a centralized power generation system for all street lights. This move, they believe, would mitigate the problem of vandalism.

Nkurunungi Peter, Director of Gesis Uganda Limited, the company responsible for installing the street lights, disclosed that more than 10 street lights had already been stolen before the warranty period had ended. The company reported the incidents to the police, but the thefts have continued unabated. Nkurunungi stressed the urgency of increasing night patrols by the Uganda Police and installing additional security cameras, particularly in poorly lit areas.

He suggested adopting a system where each street has its own independent camera, citing successful models in developed countries.
 
Elly Maate, Police spokesperson for the Kigezi subregion, confirmed the police's awareness of the vandalism issue. He assured the public that law enforcement agencies were collaborating closely with municipal authorities and employing intelligence tactics to apprehend the culprits responsible for these thefts.

Despite these efforts, vandalism remains a persistent problem across the country, undermining ongoing initiatives to illuminate streets and ensure public safety. The local community, law enforcement, and authorities continue to work together in the hopes of putting an end to these acts of vandalism.