news 6 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Man Sentenced to Decade in Prison for Terrorism Over Power Line Destruction
The International Crimes Division of the High Court has handed down a 10-year prison sentence to Ibrah Muwonge for terrorism, following his conviction for the destruction of critical electricity infrastructure in Central Uganda. Muwonge was also convicted of terrorism financing. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/man-jailed-10-years-for-terrorism-over-destruction-of-power-lines-5622324
Ibrah Muwonge, also known as Ibrah Kimbowa, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for acts of terrorism involving the sabotage of Uganda’s electricity infrastructure. The conviction, secured through a plea bargain, marks a significant development in prosecuting deliberate destruction of power transmission lines.
Muwonge was found guilty on two counts of terrorism and one count of terrorism financing by the International Crimes Division of the High Court. Justice Andrew Bashaija imposed a 10-year sentence for the terrorism charges and a concurrent five-year sentence for financing terrorism.
These convictions stem from coordinated attacks between November and December 2022, during which 14 high-voltage pylons and poles were destroyed across several key transmission lines, including Owen Falls-Lugogo and Bujagali-Kawanda. The destruction led to widespread power outages, impacting essential services like water, healthcare, industry, communication, finance, and education.
Investigations revealed Muwonge as the leader of a subversive group called the Uganda Defence Forces (UDF), reportedly linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). He allegedly used a WhatsApp group to recruit individuals and orchestrate the vandalism as part of a plan to disrupt government programs and facilitate a coup.
Evidence, including mobile phone data, implicated Muwonge in the planning, financing, and execution of the attacks. He provided funds for tools, transportation, and payments to those carrying out the destruction. While the court considered the serious, premeditated nature of the offenses and Muwonge’s role as a mastermind, it also took into account his guilty plea, remorse, and the fact that no lives were lost.
This case highlights the severe consequences for those who tamper with critical national infrastructure. Authorities have previously issued stern warnings against such acts, emphasizing that jail time and severe repercussions await perpetrators.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)