Vandalism of Electricity Infrastructure Sparks Concern in Kabale

Electricity infrastructure worth over Shs45 million has been lost due to rampant vandalism targeting the New Mirama-Kabale-Karukara power transmission line, particularly in Kabale District.

Over 3,000 kilogrammes of tower angle bars and bolts have been stolen, threatening the completion of a project aimed at addressing power outages and promoting industrial development in the region.

The issue was highlighted during a sensitization meeting with Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons from Kaharo and Kyanamira Sub-Counties, where the vandalism has been most severe.

The meeting, led by Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godfrey Nyakahuma, involved security agencies including the police, Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), and contractors CCC International Engineering Nigeria Limited.

The yovernment, using an $83 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank, funded the construction of the 88.5-kilometre transmission line from Mirama to the Kabale Power Substation.

CCC International Engineering Nigeria Limited is responsible for building the line, while Ceylex Engineering (Pvt) manages the 132/33 KV Kabale Substation.

Julius Musinguzi, the Contracts Site Manager, reported that the project was 99% complete as of December 2024, with 294 poles installed, including 65 in Kabale District.

However, theft of vital components has caused significant disruptions.

"This transmission line was 99% complete by December 2024, with 294 poles installed. However, thieves have disrupted our efforts, stealing over 3,000 kilograms of vital components, causing a loss of more than Shs45 million," said Musinguzi.

Following the vandalism alarm raised on January 4, 2025, police arrested five suspects and recovered 70 kilogrammes of stolen materials from scrap dealers in Kabale.

Kabale District Police Commander SP Charles Okello confirmed the arrests and emphasized that the suspects would be prosecuted in the Standards and Utilities Court at Makindye.

He revealed that the first arrest, a boda-boda rider transporting stolen materials, led to the apprehension of four additional suspects.

"We managed to recover some of the stolen materials, but unfortunately, some had already been sold. We have five suspects in custody and are hunting for about four others who are believed to be on the run," said Okello.

Ronald Bogere, head of security at Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), warned that vandals face harsh penalties, including up to 12 years in prison or fines of Shs1 billion.

Repeat offenders risk 15 years in prison or fines of up to Shs2 billion.

Bogere lamented the loss of government property, stating, “It is disgraceful that expensive infrastructure meant for national development is being sold cheaply as scrap.”

RDC Nyakahuma condemned the vandalism as a betrayal of the region’s development efforts.

He said the transmission line is critical for industrial growth, particularly in iron ore processing and export, and called on residents to collaborate in protecting it.

"The president refers to such acts as terrorism, and we must all work together to eliminate this vice. This project is here to end the frequent power outages that have affected the Kigezi region for years," said Nyakahuma.

Local leaders pledged to safeguard the infrastructure, recognizing its potential to stabilize power supply and support regional growth.

Despite setbacks, the Kabale and Kigezi Sub-Region remains hopeful that this vital project will be completed and deliver the benefits it promises.