Parts of the Kampala Northern Bypass are in complete darkness again, just weeks after new streetlights were installed by the Ugandan government. The Ministry of Works and Transport has now confirmed that persistent vandalism is behind the outage, with solar batteries and electrical parts stolen by unknown individuals.
This update came after concerned road users took to social media over the weekend, questioning why the lights along the Busega–Kyebando stretch had suddenly gone off. Responding to one of the public queries on X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry’s senior communications officer, Mr Allan Ssempebwa, explained that the streetlight system had been targeted by thieves who stole essential components.
“We’re currently working on installing lights from Busega to Namboole,” said Ssempebwa. “But progress has been disrupted by acts of vandalism, especially along Busega–Kyebando, where poles were already up and functioning.”
Ssempebwa revealed that restoration is ongoing to replace the stolen materials, especially solar batteries and wiring that power the streetlights. He called on the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
“Let’s protect these assets,” he said. “These streetlights are for everyone’s safety. Report anything unusual so we can stop the thieves responsible.”
The Kampala Northern Bypass is one of Uganda’s most important transport projects. It was built to ease the heavy traffic congestion within Kampala by allowing vehicles to pass around the city. The bypass stretches for about 21 kilometres, passing through busy areas such as Bwaise, Kyebando, Kalerwe, and Namboole.
Construction of the road began in 2004, with the first section (Busega to Kireka) completed in 2009. However, streetlights were not included in the original plan. A second phase — which included road expansion and new bridges — started in 2014 but faced years of delay before completion in 2022.
After years of public complaints about poor visibility and rising crime along the road at night, the government finally began installing lights along the full corridor. The project was warmly received by drivers, commuters, and pedestrians, who hoped it would reduce traffic accidents and robberies.
But now, that progress is under threat.
Officials say the theft of solar batteries and cables has caused multiple sections of the bypass to fall into darkness again — exactly the problem the project was meant to fix.
Residents living near the bypass say the dark spots have led to a fresh wave of nighttime crime. “Thieves now hide near the unlit places,” said Josephine Nambasa, a trader in Bwaise. “We were happy when the lights came. Now they are gone, and it’s back to fear.”
The Ministry has warned that the cost of replacing stolen parts is high and slows down other development plans. Authorities have urged local communities to take part in protecting the infrastructure since the project is meant to serve everyone.
“It is not just about putting up streetlights,” said Ssempebwa. “It’s also about making sure the lights stay on. That only happens if the public joins in protecting what belongs to all of us.”
As Kampala pushes forward with plans to modernise its roads, the Northern Bypass shows how infrastructure alone is not enough. Security, maintenance, and public cooperation are just as important.
Residents are now being encouraged to report any strange behaviour or movement near the light poles. Police say they are increasing patrols along the affected zones, but the battle against vandalism will require community support.
Government officials, NGOs, and civil society are calling for more education and awareness on how infrastructure theft affects national progress. They say stealing public property is not only a crime but also a setback for development.
For now, drivers and residents are hoping the lights will be restored soon — and will stay on this time.
