Eight Arrested in Lugazi Over Electricity Line Vandalism in Buikwe and Mukono

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

Sezibwa Regional Police spokesperson Hellen Butoto said the suspects are being detained at Lugazi Central Police Station.

“The suspects were found in possession of vandalised wires and tools believed to have been used to cut down power lines,” Butoto said.

Due to the nature of the offence, the suspects are expected to appear before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court, commonly known as the Electricity Court, in Kampala. The specialised court handles electricity-related crimes across Uganda.

In similar cases, suspects have initially appeared before the Lugazi or Mukono Magistrates Courts before their files are committed to the Electricity Court or, where applicable, the High Court if terrorism-related charges are preferred.

Under the Electricity (Amendment) Act, 2022, signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni, vandalism of electricity infrastructure is classified as a serious economic crime. First-time offenders face up to 12 years in prison, a fine of Shs1 billion, or both. Repeat offenders risk up to 15 years in prison, a fine of Shs2 billion, or both.

Section 85A of the Act specifically criminalises the unauthorised removal, transfer or tampering with electricity infrastructure.

Butoto warned that security operations against vandals are ongoing and vowed there would be “no mercy” for those caught destroying power infrastructure.

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

While technical faults and severe weather also contribute to power outages, authorities say theft of copper cables, angle bars and the destruction of electricity poles remain the leading causes. Stolen copper is often sold to unscrupulous scrap dealers, while other electrical materials are reportedly supplied to private dealers, mainly in Kampala.

The continued destruction of electricity infrastructure is undermining the government’s goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030.

According to UETCL, Uganda loses an estimated Shs2.6 billion every year due to vandalism and power theft, with the company spending more than Shs600 million annually to repair damaged transmission infrastructure.