Electrical vandalism costs Uganda millions 

The Standards, Utilities and Wildlife court, known as the Electricity court, has sentenced several individuals for tampering with electrical installations and illegally possessing electric materials, as a measure of deterring the vice.

In handing down tough penalties to culprits, the court has demonstrated a strong stance on energy infrastructure crimes, setting a clear precedent across various districts against such destructive behaviour, a statement from the Electricity Regulatory Authority notes.

On September 26, 2024, Christine Nakate became its latest victim. Nakate was convicted after authorities discovered unauthorized electric materials in her shop in Lira city. She received a fine of Shs 6 million, or, in default, a two-year prison term. Her conviction was under Section 85 (1)(b) and (2) of the Electricity Act.

Similarly, on September 17, 2024, Gilbert Musema was sentenced to six years in prison for possessing stolen electric materials. Musema was found vandalizing power lines and using aluminium wires to manufacture hangers. He was convicted for interfering with electric meters and possessing stolen property.

In Kyegegwa district on September 9, 2024, Saul Twesengyerize and Devis Ahimbisibwe were sentenced to nine months in prison for vandalizing electric lines. The two were caught cutting down electric wires belonging to the Kyegegwa Rural Electrification Cooperative Society (KRECS).

Prosecutor Charlotte Kyohairwe from the Electricity Regulatory Authority emphasized the rise in vandalism cases, noting that the cost of vandalized materials has reached Shs 400 million this year — a burden often passed on to consumers through higher tariffs. Kyohairwe underscored the need for strict sentencing to discourage future offenders and protect Uganda’s energy infrastructure.

Unauthorized electrical installations were also flagged as a critical issue. Unqualified individuals conducting electrical work pose serious risks of fire, electrocution, and equipment failures, endangering lives and property, the statement from ERA notes.

These convictions, the statement added, “signal the judiciary’s commitment to tackling power line vandalism, which not only disrupts electricity services but also threatens public safety and economic growth.”