Eight suspected power vandals arrested in Lugazi joint operation

Police in Lugazi are holding eight men suspected of vandalising electricity lines in Buikwe and Mukono districts, following an intelligence-led operation conducted with the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL).

Sezibwa Regional Police Spokesperson, Ms Hellen Butoto, said the suspects are currently detained at Lugazi Central Police Station.

“The suspects were found in possession of vandalized wires and instruments used to cut down power lines,” Ms Butoto said.

Given the nature of the offence, the suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court — also known as the Electricity Court — in Kampala soon. The court is the specialized tribunal that handles electricity-related crimes in Uganda.

In similar past cases, suspects have first appeared at Lugazi Magistrates Court or Mukono Magistrates Court for mention before files are committed to the Electricity Court, or to the High Court if terrorism charges are preferred.

Some of the electric wires recovered from the suspects during the operation. PHOTO | DENIS EDEMA

Under the Electricity (Amendment) Act, 2022 assented to by President Yoweri Museveni, vandalism of electricity infrastructure is treated as a serious economic crime. First-time offenders face up to 12 years imprisonment or a fine of Shs 1 billion [50,000 currency points], or both. Repeat offenders face up to 15 years imprisonment or a fine of Shs 2 billion [100,000 currency points], or both. Section 85A of the Act specifically criminalizes the unauthorized removal, transfer, or tampering with electricity infrastructure.

Ms Butoto warned that operations are continuing and there will be “no mercy” for those still engaged in vandalism.

“These acts are causing huge losses to the government and leaving communities in darkness. We shall not spare anyone caught vandalizing power lines as operations continue,” she said.

Whereas technical faults and bad weather also contribute to power outages in most parts of the country, theft of copper cables, angle bars and vandalism of electric poles are cited as the main causes. Vandals are said to be making a fortune through the sale of stolen copper wires to unscrupulous scrap dealers, while other items are sold to private electrical suppliers mainly in Kampala.

The continued vandalism of the electricity network is sabotaging the government’s electricity access agenda to ensure power for all by 2030.

UETCL says Uganda loses an estimated Shs 2.6 billion annually to vandalism and power theft, with the company alone spending over Shs 600 million each year repairing damaged transmission infrastructure.