The government of Uganda is to demolish without compensation all houses constructed within the electricity transmission power lines. The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) says that it will start with all the houses and all related other structures constructed within the Bujagali, Luweero, Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Matuga, Bombo road, Kawanda-, Bwayise, Nankulabye and Mutundwe transmission line corridor.

The public relations officer of the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited, Kenneth Otim says that their company is in the process of procuring a contractor to implement the demolition.

The property owners to be demolished were issued with notices but are deliberately erecting new structures to receive more money in form of compensation. Otim says they want to demolish the structures to clear the transmission wayleaves corridor for easy accessibility during routine maintenance works and ensure safety of people’s lives and property.

According to Section 87 of Electricity Act (1999), encroachment on Wayleaves is an offence punishable by imprisonment for two years or a fine 400,000 or both.
The demolition costs are to be met by the property owners. The minimum safe distance from the high voltage lines depends on the voltage profile of the line. Higher voltage profiles require longer distances but it must at least be between 20 metres and 40 metres, according to UETCL. The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company will demolish the structures in eight weeks after the contractor has finished marking houses for demolition.

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