Police in Rubirizi District have launched investigations into the vandalism of 120 meters of electric wires from a three-phase power line in Katanda Village.

The incident, which occurred between January 16 and 17, has been described as sabotage.

Kituuma Rusoke, the Uganda Police Spokesman says a coordinated team of police and electricians from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) Katedera branch assessed the damage and began the search for suspects.

He warned that those involved in transporting, buying, or storing stolen electricity infrastructure will face severe penalties, including up to 12 years imprisonment and fines of up to UGX 1 billion.

“We will not tolerate excuses from scrap dealers or transporters. The law is clear, and everyone involved is culpable,” Kituuma aserted.

The called on the public to report any suspicious activities related to electricity infrastructure to help curb this growing threat.

Uganda has experienced several incidents of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure, leading to disruptions and economic losses.

Recently in January 2025, over 3,000 kilograms of tower angle bars and bolts were stolen from the New Mirama-Kabale-Karukara power transmission line, valued at more than Shs45 million. This theft threatened the completion of a project aimed at reducing power outages and promoting industrial development in the region. Five suspects were arrested, and authorities warned that convicted vandals could face up to 12 years in prison or fines of Shs1 billion.

Similary this month, a series of high-voltage power line vandalism incidents in Masaka left several areas without electricity. The damaged power lines were crucial for supplying electricity to neighboring countries like Tanzania and Rwanda and supporting Masaka’s key coffee processing plants. Authorities expressed concerns that organized groups might be behind these acts, which have had severe impacts on the region’s development.

Under the Electricity (Amendment) Act, 2022, individuals convicted of vandalizing electricity infrastructure face severe penalties. The law stipulates a fine of up to Shs2 billion or a prison sentence of up to 15 years for repeat offenders. Companies found purchasing stolen electricity materials can be fined up to Shs400 million or face a prison term not exceeding 10 years.