Indian businessman, 18 others arrested over electricity vandalism
The joint anti-vandalism task force has detained 19 suspects linked to rampant cases of vandalism of electricity infrastructure in many parts of the country.
Among the arrested is an Indian businessman in Kisugu-Muyenga identified as Atul Anad.
Others include; Nicholas Sekabembe of Mbalwa village, Joseph Sempijja, Philip Mukasa and Lilian Nagadya.
According to the police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, the 19 suspects are being processed on charges of interfering with electrical installation and for being in possession of suspected stolen property.
“We are also tracking down Kirumira Richard who escaped upon sighting our teams,” Enanga added.
Enanga further noted that an assortment of exhibits of electrical wires and UMEME electrical appliances were recovered in the areas of Kampala, Nsooba, Mulago, Kawempe, Kisugu, Kansanga and Wakiso.
The police mouthpiece further warned other perpetrators of vandalism, that their criminal activity and malicious incidents, conducted against the grid, are being regarded as deliberate acts of typical sabotage.
“Vandalism is an inconvenience to clients, but also dangerous to those who carry it out, since the pylons and other electricity infrastructure have a danger of death signs. Therefore, the vandals put their lives at risk, when they vandalize the electricity equipment,” Enanga said.
He also commended the power sector for enhancing the security of critical sub-stations through the deployment of security guards 24/7, camera technology, fencing and shielding (target hardening), increased lighting and trimming undergrowth to remove hiding places.
