The State Minister for Works and Transport, Musa Ecweru, has condemned the increasing vandalism of railway sleepers, warning that the government will take stringent measures to recover stolen property and prosecute those responsible.
Ecweru noted that while the government had previously commended the people of Teso and other regions for safeguarding railway infrastructure, recent incidents of theft have raised concerns.
"While the railway line from Kampala to Kasese was vandalised, the people of Eastern and Northern Uganda protected the railway. From Tororo up to Pakwach, the railway was safeguarded, and the government is very grateful for that," he said.
However, he expressed disappointment that some individuals, allegedly enticed by metal dealers from Kampala and other areas, have begun stealing railway sleepers.
The minister revealed that both old and newly installed sleepers have been stolen and hidden in homes, destined for sale to scrap metal processors.
He described the act as a criminal offence that undermines government efforts to maintain and expand the railway network.
"This is not acceptable. It is disappointing that some local leaders, who should be helping the government protect its property, have been arrested in connection with the theft. Two Local Council officials were caught with stolen railway sleepers in their houses last week in Tubur," he disclosed.
Ecweru warned that the government would intensify surveillance along the railway lines, particularly in the Tororo-Pakwach section, to curb further vandalism.
Authorities also plan to evict individuals who have encroached on the railway corridor, especially as Uganda prepares for the construction of a standard gauge railway, which will require a wider passage than the current meter gauge.
"We will step up inspections and repairs along the railway line. Anyone tempted by the devil to steal government property should know that the law is clear, and they will face serious consequences," he warned.
He urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to prevent further loss of public infrastructure, as authorities vowed to bring those responsible to justice.