Police dog tracks down electricity vandalism suspects in Mukono, two nabbed
Police in Mukono District have arrested two suspects in connection with the vandalism of electricity infrastructure at Azam Construction Company Limited in Buligobe Village, Namawojolo Parish, Nama Sub-county.
The suspects, identified as Mzee Asheraf and Geoffrey Mubiru, were arrested following a swift response by police after a report was made on February 24, 2026, at around 8:00 a.m.
According to police, a security guard at the construction site discovered that electric cables connected to a power pole had been cut. He immediately notified authorities and requested support from the canine unit.
Officers from the Mukono Canine Unit, working alongside detectives from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), responded to the scene. After assessing the area, investigators determined that conditions were suitable for canine tracking.
A police sniffer dog named Judge picked up a human scent at the crime scene and tracked it for approximately 300 meters. The trail led officers directly to the residence of the two suspects.
Upon conducting a search at the home, police recovered tools suspected to have been used to cut the electric cables, shoes containing soil samples consistent with the scene of crime, and other exhibits believed to link the suspects to the vandalism.
The two suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) and the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) have consistently warned Ugandans against vandalising electricity infrastructure, noting that such acts disrupt power supply to many communities. They have also emphasized that restoring newly vandalised equipment is costly and places an additional financial burden on the sector.
Under the Electricity (Amendment) Act, anyone found guilty of vandalising electricity infrastructure faces severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to Shs1 billion, or both.
