More than 200 solar street lights in Hoima City, installed under the World Bank-funded Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme, have been vandalized and spoiled since September last year, according to city office records.

City authorities have replaced only 56 solar street lights at a cost of 70 million Ugandan shillings, leaving large parts of Hoima in darkness. Residents warn that these non-functional street lights have become crime hotspots, putting pedestrians, motorists, and street vendors at serious risk.

Crime Rising in Hoima City Due to Vandalized and Spoiled Street Lights

Most of the affected solar street lights are in Kiryatete, Kinubi, Mukati, Lusaka, Bujumbura, Kiganda, and Kibaati, with others along Kabaleega, Bunyoro-Kitara, Hoima–Fort Portal, Persy, Hoima–Butiaba, and Kwebiha streets.

Residents say the malfunctioning street lights have worsened street crime in Hoima City. Stephen Kisembo, a resident of Kigandan Cell, said: "Criminals are using the cover of darkness to waylay road users, break into houses, and assault individuals without being easily noticed or identified."

Margret Nyamahunge, who runs a mobile restaurant along Hoima–Fort Portal road, explained: "We are sometimes forced to use candles and lamps for lighting during night hours due to the absence of street lights." She urges city authorities to repair the vandalized and spoiled lights immediately.

Residents Face Night-Time Dangers in Dark Hoima Streets

Abudallah Kagwa, a boda boda rider, said: "Operating in areas where street lights have been vandalised has become risky, as thugs hide in such places to target people."

Rosette Kusiima, a roadside vendor in Kiryatete, added that night-time work has become dangerous, while Robert Wamani, a resident of Kinubi Cell, stated: “It is too risky, especially for women, to pass through the hotspots at night due to groups of thugs targeting vendors and motorists under the cover of darkness.”

Hoima City Authorities Call for Urgent Street Light Repairs

Hoima City Mayor Brian Kaboyo acknowledged the threat posed by vandalized and spoiled solar street lights, noting that repair and replacement costs are high. He estimated the city needs between 300 and 500 million shillings to restore all damaged lights.

Mayor Kaboyo appealed to residents to “take ownership of government projects, guard them against vandalism, and report anyone found tampering with the street lights for immediate action.”

Police Investigations Ongoing as Darkness Increases Safety Risks

Albertine Region Police Spokesperson Julius Hakiza confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify the culprits. He urged residents to cooperate with authorities by providing tips. Hakiza said: “The lack of street lights in some parts of the city has turned many areas into danger zones, putting public safety at risk. Darkness provides cover for criminals, increases fear among residents, and makes it difficult to detect and report suspicious activity.”

The Need for Community Vigilance and Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

The vandalism and spoilage of solar street lights in Hoima City highlights the need for:

- Improved urban security

- Community cooperation in protecting public assets

- Sustainable maintenance of USMID Uganda infrastructure projects

City authorities stress that residents’ involvement is critical to ensuring safer streets, reduced crime, and functional public infrastructure.