Police in Kasanje, Wakiso District, have arrested two men for allegedly vandalizing electricity poles in Kikaya Namugala village a growing crime that authorities say threatens national infrastructure and public safety.
The suspects, God Katabarwa and Lukwago Sam, both residents of Bulete village, were intercepted during a joint community-police patrol.
They were caught in the act, thanks to rapid information sharing between local leaders, residents, and law enforcement officers.
SSP Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, credited the successful arrest to the close collaboration between police and the community.
“The arrest was made possible by quick information sharing between police and local leaders, as well as joint foot patrols with the community,” Onyango said.
The suspects are currently being held at Kasanje Police Station and are expected to be charged with terrorism-related offenses a serious category under Uganda’s legal framework that carries long prison sentences if convicted.
The incident is the latest in a worrying trend of attacks on critical infrastructure. Police have noted a surge in such cases, especially targeting electricity poles and transmission lines in semi-urban areas.
Last week, 17 individuals were remanded to Luzira Prison in connection with similar acts of sabotage.
Investigations are ongoing, and police have pledged to continue working closely with communities to protect public infrastructure and bring offenders to justice.
