The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has begun installing bird guards on the Waligo feeder to enhance electricity supply reliability for Gayaza and surrounding communities.
The Waligo feeder serves as a vital link between the Kawanda and Waligo substations. It delivers power to several important residential and commercial zones, such as Gayaza, Kyanja, Kungu, Masooli, Busukuma, Nangabo, Nalyamagonja, Komamboga, Kitetitika, Namere, Lusanja, Kiteezi, and Kitala. The line also powers major industrial clients, including Ugachick.
According to project lead Kassim Kasana, the feeder has faced ongoing reliability issues, with an average of five bird-related faults per month over the past four months. He linked the rising outages to a landfill in Kidokolo Village, Kawanda, situated directly under the feeder route. The site draws large numbers of birds, especially marabou storks.
“The waste dumping site has created a rich scavenging habitat for hundreds of marabou storks. These birds use the distribution poles as primary resting platforms between feeding periods,” Kasana explained.
He noted that the birds often bridge the gap between live conductors and grounded parts of the system when taking off or landing on the structures. This contact triggers electrical faults and power disruptions.
Kasana stated that installing the bird guards — scheduled for completion by mid-July 2026 — will help cut down on frequent outages, protect wildlife, and preserve utility revenue.
“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 in short circuits,” he said.
The initiative also complies with guidelines from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for protecting biodiversity. Marabou storks are a protected and iconic wildlife species in Uganda.
“By installing bird guards, we are ensuring that marabou storks attracted to the landfill can safely land on utility structures without completing an electrical circuit. The birds will be protected from fatal electrocution, while costly grid outages will be minimised,” Kasana added.
Jimmy Kiggundu, the area engineer for Namugongo, highlighted that the project should bring major improvements in power reliability for those served by the Waligo Substation.
“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 a more stable and reliable power supply,” Kiggundu said.
