Kampala, (UG):- The Uganda Police have issued a stern warning to scrap dealers across the country against using excuses to justify the possession of vandalized items, particularly electric infrastructure materials.
The development follows an incident between January 16 and 17, 2025, in Katanda village, Katanda Subcounty, Rubirizi District, where suspected criminals vandalized 120 meters of electric wires from a three-phase power line.
In collaboration with the electricity body and other security agencies, police spokesperson, ACP Rusoke Kituuma said the force is actively pursuing the suspects, who are accused of sabotaging government projects.
“Scrap dealers often give excuses when found with vandalized electric wires, but such explanations will no longer be tolerated,” ACP Kituuma told journalists during the weekly press briefing at Naguru.
He emphasized that offenses related to vandalism of government electricity infrastructure carry heavy penalties, including imprisonment of five to 12 years and fines of up to Shs 1 billion.
Crackdown on Gangs in Wakiso
In a related development, the Territorial Police in Wakiso District are holding in custody three suspects believed to be part of a gang terrorizing residents and commuters along the Northern Bypass and Lubigi Swamp area.
The suspects, identified as Niyonzima Richard (28), Kizza David (42), and Ngoobi Ali, were arrested during an operation that recovered several stolen items. These include 15 motorcycle number plates, six motorcycle side mirrors, padlocks, mobile phones, logbooks, Somali currency, and tools used for breaking into properties.
Kituuma said “The operations will continue to curb criminality in the area,” adding that “these criminals target people walking and riding along the Northern Bypass.”
He, however, commended local authorities for their cooperation in combating crime and encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Send us your story or opinion on: [email protected]. You can also follow Daily Express on WhatsApp for all the latest news and updates.
