Electricity infrastructure worth over UGX 45 million has been lost to rampant vandalism targeting the New Mirama-Kabale-Karukara power transmission line, particularly in Kabale District. Over 3,000 kilograms of tower angle bars and bolts have been stolen, significantly undermining the project meant to address power outages and boost industrial development in the region.
This revelation came today Wednesday 8 January 2025 during a sensitization meeting for Local Council One (LC1) Chairpersons of Kaharo and Kyanamira Sub-Counties, where the vandalism has been most prevalent. The meeting was led by Kabale District Resident Commissioner (RDC) Godfrey Nyakahuma, alongside security agencies including the police, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and contractors CCC International Engineering Nigeria Limited.
The Government of Uganda, with an $83 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank, funded the construction of the 88.5-kilometer transmission line from Mirama to the Kabale Power Substation. CCC International Engineering Nigeria Limited responsible for building the line, while Ceylex Engineering (Pvt) managing the 132/33 KV Kabale Substation.
Julius Musinguzi, the Contractor’s Site Manager, stated that the project was 99% complete as of December 2024, with 294 poles installed, including 65 in Kabale District. However, thieves have significantly disrupted progress, stealing vital components and causing massive financial losses to both the company and the government.
“This transmission line was 99% complete by December 2024, with 294 poles installed. However, thieves have disrupted our efforts, stealing over 3,000 kilograms of vital components, causing a loss of more than UGX 45 million. Said Musinguzi.
Musinguzi also reported that the vandalism alarm was raised on January 4, 2025, prompting swift action from security forces. The police arrested five suspects, recovering 70 kilograms of stolen equipment from scrap dealers in Kabale.
Kabale District Police Commander SP Charles Okello confirmed the arrests and emphasized the suspects would be prosecuted in the Standards and Utilities Court at Makinde. He called for community cooperation to safeguard government property and deter further incidents.
“We first arrested a boda-boda rider who was transporting these materials, and he led us to four other scrap dealers who had provided a market for these items. We managed to recover some of the stolen materials, but unfortunately, some had already been sold,” revealed Okello.
He further added, “We have five suspects in custody and are hunting for about four others who are believed to be on the run.”
Bogere Ronald, Head of Security at Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), warned that convicted vandals face severe penalties, including 12 years in prison or a fine of UGX 1 billion. Repeat offenders risk 15 years in prison or fines of up to UGX 2 billion. Bogere lamented the theft of expensive government property, which is sold cheaply as scrap, calling it a disgrace.
RDC Nyakahuma decried the vandalism as a betrayal of development efforts, noting the transmission line aims to spur industrialization, particularly for iron ore processing and export. He urged residents to unite against the “terrorism” of infrastructure sabotage, as referred to by President Museveni.
“The president refers to such acts as terrorism, and we must all work together to eliminate this vice. This project is here to end the frequent power outages that have affected the Kigezi region for years.” Said Nyakahuma.
Local leaders pledged to safeguard the transmission line, recognizing its importance in ending frequent power outages and supporting regional growth.
The Kabale and Kigezi Sub-Region, long plagued by power instability, now hopes for a future powered by this vital infrastructure, provided the community and authorities can curb vandalism effectively.
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