Police Warn Electricity Vandals: Jail Awaits You

Police has warned individuals involved in the sabotage of Uganda’s electricity infrastructure, saying those found culpable will face severe consequences.

In a statement, AIGP Tom Magambo, Director of Criminal Investigations, said law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to crack down on vandals and saboteurs targeting the national power grid.

“Let those sabotaging our electricity infrastructure be warned—jail awaits you, and the consequences will be severe,” Magambo said.

The warning comes in the wake of a wave of vandalism incidents across districts including Kampala, Luweero, and Nakasongola, which disrupted power supply to key installations such as Luweero Industries and Nakasongola Military Hospital.

Magambo noted that such acts are not only criminal but also pose serious threats to national security and economic stability.

On Wednesday, seventeen people were remanded to Luzira Prison on terrorism charges related to the alleged sabotage of electricity infrastructure. The suspects appeared before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court, where they were charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act for interfering with the national power network between 2022 and May 2025.

According to the prosecution, the group along with others still at large is accused of committing acts of sabotage in the Kampala Metropolitan Area, Luweero, Nakasongola, Mityana, Kiboga, and Mubende districts during that period.

The state alleges that their actions were intended to influence government policy or intimidate the public for political, social, or economic purposes, carried out indiscriminately and without regard for public safety or protection of property. This led to outages at several strategic facilities, including military and industrial sites.

The suspects were not allowed to take plea, as the charges are capital in nature and can only be tried by the High Court.

State prosecutor Martin Odong informed the court that investigations are still ongoing and requested an adjournment. The case was adjourned to July 17 for mention.

Speaking after the court session, Stephen Ilungole, Manager of Communication and Public Relations at Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), said the incidents have led to significant financial losses and disrupted reliable electricity supply.

Under the Electricity (Amendment) Act, 2022, individuals convicted of vandalism or power theft face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to Shs2 billion, or both.

Ilungole emphasised that vandalism and power theft undermine the reliability of electricity supply and directly affect consumer tariffs.