news 3 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Eight Suspected Power Vandals Apprehended in Lugazi
A joint operation involving police and UETCL in Lugazi has led to the arrest of eight individuals suspected of vandalizing electricity infrastructure. Authorities are intensifying efforts to combat this crime, which results in significant financial losses and disrupts power supply. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/eight-suspected-power-vandals-arrested-in-lugazi-joint-operation-5546036
Police in Lugazi have taken eight men into custody on suspicion of vandalizing power lines in the Buikwe and Mukono districts. The arrests were made following an intelligence-led operation conducted in collaboration with the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL).
According to Sezibwa Regional Police Spokesperson, Ms. Hellen Butoto, the suspects were apprehended with vandalized wires and tools specifically used for cutting power lines. They are currently detained at Lugazi Central Police Station.
These individuals are expected to face charges at the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court, commonly known as the Electricity Court, in Kampala. This specialized tribunal handles all cases related to electricity infrastructure crimes in Uganda. Past incidents have seen suspects initially appear before local magistrate courts before their cases are transferred.
The Electricity (Amendment) Act of 2022 classifies the vandalism of electricity infrastructure as a severe economic offense. First-time offenders risk up to 12 years imprisonment or a fine of Shs 1 billion, while repeat offenders could receive up to 15 years imprisonment or a Shs 2 billion fine, or both. Section 85A of the Act explicitly criminalizes any unauthorized interference with electricity infrastructure.
Ms. Butoto emphasized that the operations are ongoing and warned of “no mercy” for anyone found engaging in such activities. She highlighted the substantial financial losses incurred by the government and the disruption of power supply to communities, stating that those caught will not be spared.
While technical issues and weather patterns contribute to power outages, the theft of copper cables, angle bars, and the vandalism of electric poles are identified as primary causes. Vandals reportedly profit by selling stolen copper wires to scrap dealers and other components to private electrical suppliers, primarily in Kampala. This ongoing destruction of the electricity network undermines the government’s goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030. UETCL estimates annual losses of Shs 2.6 billion due to vandalism and power theft, with the company spending over Shs 600 million annually on repairs.