UEDCL Installs Bird Guards on Waligo Feeder to Curb Power Outages

Frequent power outages plaguing parts of Wakiso and Kampala are being addressed by the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) through the installation of specialized bird guards. The focus is on the Waligo 33kV feeder, a critical link between the Kawanda and Waligo substations.

This intervention targets outages attributed to bird-related faults, specifically those caused by marabou storks. The feeder supplies approximately 13.2MW to significant residential and commercial zones, including areas like Gayaza, Kyanja, and industrial clients such as Ugachick.

According to project lead Kassim Kasana, the feeder has suffered an average of five bird-related faults monthly over the past four months. Investigations revealed that a new landfill situated directly below the feeder route has become a major attractant for marabou storks.

These large birds utilize the distribution poles and cross arms as resting spots, inadvertently bridging the gap between live conductors and grounded structures with their wings during take-off or landing. This action leads to frequent, high-current faults.

The installation of bird guards is expected to eliminate these transient faults, thereby enhancing network reliability, protecting utility revenue, and ensuring compliance with wildlife conservation regulations. Kasana highlighted that this aligns with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) guidelines, as marabou storks are a protected species in Uganda.

“By installing bird guards, we have ensured 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, simultaneously protecting the storks and preventing costly grid outages,” Kasana stated. The guards are designed to prevent direct contact with electrical components while allowing the birds safe use of the structures.

Jimmy Kiggundu, the Area Engineer for Namugongo, anticipates a significant improvement in electricity supply stability once the installations are completed this month. This project is part of UEDCL’s broader strategy to boost distribution network reliability while balancing infrastructure needs with environmental protection.

Source: Nile Post