Police have arrested a man suspected of vandalizing electricity infrastructure and making illegal power connections in Kireku Parish, Luweero District.
According to Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, the incident occurred around midnight on August 10, 2025, when unknown suspects cut wires from four electricity poles in Kireku Parish, Kikyusa Subcounty.
“One affected resident in Ssenyomo Zone A initially thought the power outage was due to regular load shedding,” Rusoke explained.
“However, the following morning, churchgoers found wires lying on the ground, and locals confirmed that four poles had been vandalized.”
The vandalism was reported to Kikyusa Subcounty Police Station, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of 26-year-old electrician Katamba Charles, who resides in Kiwanguzi Zone, Kireku Parish.
“During a search of his home, police recovered stolen electric wires and discovered illegal electricity connections at his residence and several neighboring premises,” Rusoke said.
The police spokesperson warned that such acts threaten the stability of the electricity network and urged the public to cooperate in anti-vandalism efforts.
“We call on residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities around electrical infrastructure, especially individuals working without proper identification or official vehicles, working at odd hours, or carrying suspicious tools,” Rusoke said.
He also advised the public to avoid hiring uncertified electricians and to report any illegal electricity connections to the police or relevant authorities like the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company (UEDC).
According to the Electricity (Amendment) Act, 2020, any person found guilty of vandalizing electricity infrastructure is liable to a hefty fine of shs1 billion, imprisonment for a term of up to 12 years, or both penalties.
