Enock Ndyamuhakyi | Tayari News
KABALE – Residents of Kabale Municipality have raised concerns over non-functioning street lights, warning that the situation has escalated into a serious security threat that requires urgent intervention from responsible authorities.
According to several residents, many of the street lights that were initially powered by solar energy were later altered after officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport removed the solar panels and batteries and connected the system to the main electricity grid. However, within a short period, the lights reportedly stopped functioning, plunging large parts of the municipality into darkness, especially during evening and night hours.
The prolonged darkness has, according to locals, created a conducive environment for criminal activity. Residents report an increase in theft, muggings, and vandalism, with wrongdoers taking advantage of poorly lit streets.
“This darkness has exposed us to criminals. We are no longer safe walking or working at night,” one resident said.
The situation has particularly affected people whose livelihoods depend on nighttime operations. Boda boda riders, traders, and other informal workers say they are now forced to scale back their activities due to fear of insecurity.
Speaking to our reporter, Eliazare Ainebyona, a boda boda rider operating at Mahonde stage along Kabale–Katuna Road, said poor lighting has made it difficult to safely transport passengers at night.
“It is very risky to move at night because you cannot clearly see the road or the people you are carrying. We fear being attacked,” Ainebyona explained.
Similarly, Johnson Mugisha from Butobere, who works as a porter at the Central Market, highlighted the dangers traders face due to limited visibility.
“We used to work comfortably when the lights were on, but now we close early because the darkness puts our lives at risk,” Mugisha said.
Other residents, including Galas Niwandinda, a boda boda rider at Zain stage along Kabale–Kisoro Road, and John Byaruhanga, a resident of Rwakaraba in the Northern Division, noted that functional street lighting had previously played a key role in reducing road accidents and improving overall security.
“When the street lights were working, accidents were fewer and security was better. Now, everything has changed for the worse,” they said.
They added that the current situation has severely disrupted their ability to work at night, with many opting to stay home rather than risk being attacked or robbed.
Residents are now calling on the Ministry of Works and Transport to urgently intervene and restore the street lighting system. Many have specifically appealed for the reinstatement of solar-powered lighting, arguing that the previous system was more reliable and sustainable compared to the current electricity-based setup.
“The solar system was working well. We request the government to bring it back because this new system has failed,” another resident added.
In response, the Kabale Municipal Town Clerk, Jamil Kasajja, acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and assured the public that steps are being taken to address the issue.
“We are aware of the problem and have already secured a budget to repair the street lights under the municipality. A contractor has been engaged to assess and fix the faulty systems,” Kasajja said.
He added that the municipality is committed to restoring proper lighting to improve security and support economic activities within the town.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Ministry of Works and Transport regarding the street lights under its direct management were unsuccessful, as repeated phone calls to responsible officials went unanswered.
As residents continue to grapple with the consequences of poor lighting, many say swift action is needed to restore safety, confidence, and normal economic activity in Kabale Municipality.