Mukono, Uganda: Police in Mukono have arrested two suspected members of a criminal gang accused of vandalizing electricity infrastructure and stealing power transmission materials in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan District.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation targeting a group allegedly responsible for a series of incidents involving the cutting and theft of Aerial Bundled Cables (ABCs) in several parts of Mukono Municipality and surrounding areas.
According to Uganda Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the affected areas include Kisoga, Kigombya, Wantoni and Kauga, which have recently experienced repeated attacks on electricity infrastructure, resulting in power disruptions and financial losses to government.
“The areas of Kisoga, Kigombya, Wantoni and Kauga have recently experienced a series of criminal incidents involving the cutting of Aerial Bundled Cables and the destruction of electricity installations,” ACP Kituuma said in a statement.
Police said intelligence reports pointed to a group of suspects involved in vandalizing electricity infrastructure before selling the stolen materials.
Acting on the information, security operatives mounted a targeted operation in the early hours of June 5, 2026.
An ambush was set up at approximately 3:00am along the suspects’ suspected exit route in Kigombya Cell, Namumira Ward, Central Division, Mukono Municipality, as the group allegedly attempted to move towards Wantoni Town.
During the operation, police intercepted three suspects. One suspect managed to escape, while two others were arrested.
The suspects were identified as Mubiru Ronny, 25, a driver, and Kyadondo Jamir, 21, a boda boda rider.
Police also recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used during the commission of the crime, along with a roll of stolen Aerial Bundled Cable. The exhibits have since been taken into police custody as evidence.
The operation comes amid growing concern over vandalism of electricity infrastructure, a crime that authorities say not only causes significant financial losses but also disrupts essential services and poses serious safety risks to the public.
Electricity cable theft has emerged as a major challenge in several parts of Uganda, with vandals increasingly targeting power lines, transformers and other installations for resale as scrap metal or reusable electrical materials.
Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the criminal network behind the vandalism and to track down the suspect who remains at large.
ACP Kituuma urged residents to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious activities around electricity installations and cooperating with security agencies.
“We appeal to members of the public to immediately report any suspicious activity around electricity poles, transformers, substations and power lines to the nearest police station or local council leaders,” he said.
He also warned members of the public against purchasing suspected stolen electrical materials, noting that anyone found in possession of such property could face criminal charges.
Police further called upon residents and local leaders, particularly in Kisoga, Kigombya, Wantoni and Kauga, to remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies and officials from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).
“Vandalism of electricity infrastructure is not only a criminal offence but also poses serious risks to public safety, disrupts essential services and undermines national development,” ACP Kituuma added.
The Uganda Police Force says it remains committed to protecting critical national infrastructure and ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply across the country.
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