UEDCL workers embark on installation of bird guards
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has launched the installation of bird guards along the Waligo feeder in a bid to improve power supply reliability for thousands of customers in Gayaza and the surrounding areas while protecting one of Uganda’s iconic bird species from electrocution.
The intervention targets the critical power interconnector between the Kawanda and Waligo substations, which supplies electricity to key residential and commercial centres including Gayaza, Kyanja, Kungu, Masooli, Busukuma, Nangabo, Nalyamagonja, Komamboga, Kitetitika, Namere, Lusanja, Kiteezi and Kitala, as well as major industrial consumers such as Ugachick.
Stephen Ilungole, UEDCL’s Acting Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs, said the project demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering reliable electricity while embracing environmentally responsible engineering solutions.
“The installation of bird guards along the Waligo feeder is a strategic investment aimed at improving power supply reliability for our customers while protecting Uganda’s biodiversity. This intervention addresses a recurring technical challenge that has been affecting electricity supply in Gayaza and the surrounding areas,” Ilungole said.
He added that the project reflects UEDCL’s broader mission of providing quality electricity distribution services across the country.
“We are committed to ensuring that our customers receive stable and reliable electricity. At the same time, we recognize our responsibility to operate in a manner that protects the environment and conserves wildlife. This project achieves both objectives by reducing power outages and safeguarding marabou storks from electrocution,” he said.
According to project lead Kassim Kasana, the Waligo feeder has averaged five bird-related faults every month over the last four months, leading to repeated power interruptions.
He explained that the problem intensified following the establishment of a landfill beneath the feeder route in Kidokolo village, Kawanda.
“The waste dumping site has created a rich scavenging habitat for hundreds of marabou storks. These birds utilize the distribution poles as primary resting platforms between feeding periods,” Kasana said.
“The birds frequently bridge the strict clearance gap between live conductors and grounded structures when taking off or landing, resulting in faults that disrupt power supply.”
Kasana noted that the installation, expected to be completed by mid-July 2026, will substantially reduce outages while protecting the birds.
“The medium voltage line covers used as bird guards provide an enhanced insulation barrier around conductors. This ensures that accidental contact by birds, vegetation or temporary conductor clashes does not result into short circuits,” he explained.
He added that the initiative complies with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) guidelines on biodiversity conservation.
“By installing bird guards we are ensuring that marabou storks drawn to the landfill can safely land on utility structures without completing an electrical circuit. The birds will be insulated from fatal electrocutions and the costly grid outages will be minimized,” Kasana said.
Jimmy Kiggundu, the Area Engineer for Namugongo, said the project will benefit approximately 25,000 customers.
“About 25,000 customers lose power supply whenever a bird comes into contact with the conductors along this feeder. Once the installation of bird guards is completed this month, both domestic and industrial customers served by the Waligo Substation will enjoy more stable and reliable power supply,” he said.
Ilungole said the initiative reflects UEDCL’s continued investment in innovative solutions that strengthen Uganda’s electricity distribution network while balancing operational efficiency with environmental stewardship.
