UMEME engineers arrested over theft of electric wires, cables

Three workers of power distributing company, UMEME have been arrested after being found in possession of assortments of electric wires and cables.

The arrests follow intensified operations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations against acts of sabotage, vandalism and theft of electric wires and cables, with successful raids at two locations in Namugongo and Katwe.

According to the police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, the first operation in Namugongo saw police task team arrest two suspected vandals both employees at UMEME, Banda branch.

The arrested have been identified as Kalumba James, aged 33 and Semuyaba Joseph, aged 28.

“Both suspects are electrical engineers at the UMEME, Banda branch and residents of Nsawo LCI in Namugongo.  Upon a search at their known premises, drums of black cables, power connectors and UMEME equipments were recovered,” Enanga said.

In another operation conducted at Ndejje-Mirimu zone, police arrested Ezra Kimiah Mudhimbwa, a 36-year-old, electrician, and a sub-contractor of Komolo Co. Ltd.

Following a search into Mudhimbwa’s home, Enanga says 3 drums of electric wire cables and electricity connectors were recovered.

Enanga appealed to the public to stop such criminal acts which he said do negatively impact the economy through vandalism of critical infrastructure, loss of electricity which he said affects businesses and communities within the affected areas.

He noted that as police, they will continue their operations aimed at solving cable theft and vandalism in the country.

Enanga further appealed to the public to cooperate with police to end such criminal acts.

“We also call upon the public to share any information that will assist our officers in fighting this crime and bring those who destroy critical infrastructure to book.” Enanga appealed.