The Joint Security Agencies have arrested 62 suspects who were actively involved in the malicious damage and theft of electricity power lines.
The team has been conducting operations in the district of Mityana, where 16 people were arrested. The operation was extended to the villages of Kajumiro, Kabulasoke sub-county, Gomba district, where three UMEME workers were intercepted while selling electric poles at around 8 pm. In addition, they impounded a UMEME track loaded with an assortment of electric wires.
Also, more suspects were arrested in Greater Masaka, Busoga North, Mulago, Kawempe, Kisenyi II zone, New taxi part, Old Kampala, Lusanja-Kasangati, Kakajjo zone, Bweyogerere, Najjanankumbi, Kisekka market, Namuwongo, Kabaawo zone, and Mutundwe, among other areas.
“These acts of theft and vandalism of utility infrastructure underscore the need to once again publicly disseminate information on the importance and benefits of utility infrastructure in the energy sector.”
And to further implore all members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around power installations in their areas, to the local councils and nearest security agency, “said Enanga.
He further stated that it’s unfortunate that some UMEME staff, who are supposed to jealously guard the power infrastructure, are instead perpetrators of the crime.