Police hunt ex-Umeme staff over widespread power infrastructure vandalism

Police in Uganda’s Savannah region have launched a manhunt for two former employees of the now-defunct power distributor, Umeme. The individuals, known only as Isma and Juma, are suspected of being part of a network responsible for the theft and vandalism of vital electricity infrastructure.

Their alleged involvement came to light following a police operation in Mpande village, where three rolls of “solidal” wires – a type of electrical cable – were recovered. This bust led to the arrest of two suspects, Musa Mayembo and William Kiryowa, and the impoundment of a Toyota Starlet and a motorcycle believed to have been used in transporting the stolen materials.

According to Savannah Regional Police spokesperson, Sam Twiineamazima, preliminary investigations suggest that Mayembo’s home was used as a temporary storage point for the stolen wires before they were transported to Kampala for sale. The recovered wires are thought to have been cut from electricity installations across the Luwero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola districts that constitute the Savannah region.

Investigators are working to dismantle the alleged criminal network and understand the full supply chain of the stolen infrastructure, with indications that buyers travel from the capital to collect the illicit goods. The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), which took over distribution after Umeme’s concession ended, has cited increased vandalism as a cause for recent power outages.

This crackdown on infrastructure theft comes in the wake of significant changes in the country’s electricity distribution sector, including the restructuring of Umeme and the absorption of fewer employees into the new state-owned utility, UEDCL.

Anyone with information that could aid the arrest of the fugitives or the recovery of stolen electricity infrastructure is urged to report to the nearest police station.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/two-former-umeme-employees-wanted-over-power-infrastructure-vandalism