By Kenneth Wamatoyi
BUIKWE
The territorial Police in Buikwe District have arrested three individuals for vandalizing an electricity power line in Tega Village, Kabanga Parish, Najjembe Division.
According to police reports, on the night of June 8, 2025, at approximately 11:30 PM, Police received intelligence information from a whistleblower—who requested anonymity—about suspected vandalism of a UEDCL power line in the area. A joint security operation was immediately launched by the Police and the UPDF, led by Lt. Charles Ssempijja.
The operation led to the arrest of the following suspects, who were allegedly caught in the act of digging and attempting to remove a stay wire:
Mugweri Denis Waiswa Malagala – Male, 34 years old, a linesman at HASO Engineering Company, resident of Namengo Kiteeredde Central, Lugazi Central Division, Buikwe District.
Abit Phillip – Male, 21 years old, a loader, resident of Tega Village, Kabanga Parish, Najjembe Division, Buikwe District.
Lunanoba Rashid – Male, 21 years old, a boda-boda cyclist, resident of Kasoga Village, Kabanga Parish, Najjembe Division, Buikwe District.
According to SP Hellen Butoto, spokesperson for the Ssezibwa Region, exhibits recovered from the suspects include tools commonly used in power line installation, as well as two danger plates, which were found in the homes of Mugweri Denis Waiswa Malagala and Lunanoba Rashid.
She added that investigations are still ongoing to trace and recover other equipment possibly connected to the vandalism. The suspects remain in custody as inquiries continue.
In Uganda, vandalizing electricity infrastructure, including power lines and equipment, is a serious offense punishable by law. The Electricity Amendment Act of 2022 imposes a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison or a fine of UGX 1 billion (or both) for individuals convicted of such actions. This law aims to deter vandalism and protect the electricity supply, which is crucial for the country’s economy and development
