The Joint Anti-Vandalism task force that comprises of the Uganda Police, UPDF, Joint Intelligence Components, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (UETCL), Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited {UEDCL}, UMEME and other licensed operators, has launched operations against vandalism and destruction of Electricity assets in the country.
The electricity assets affected by the continued and rampant vandalism include; pylons, wires/conductors, tower stabs, transformers, poles, underground cables and related accessories, which are bought by dealers in scrap metal, smelters and welders who use oil from transformers for their welding business.
As a result the communities and businesspersons in the districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Jinja, Mayuge, Iganga, Kamuli, Bugiri, Busia, Tororo, Lira, Oyam, Kole, Masaka,, Kyotera, Mbarara, Luwero, Kiryandongo, Mbale, Soroti, Mpigi, Kasese, and Buliisa districts, where negatively affected by the power disruptions arising out of vandalism.
According to police spokesman Fred Enanga,so far, the operations have led to the arrest of several perpetrators of vandalism, across all levels and the successful recovery of an assortment of exhibits.
He said the returns will be shared with the public accordingly.
“We want to thank all persons who volunteered information about the vandals and the racket of dealers, behind the acts of theft and vandalism of the electricity infrastructure,”he said.
He urged the public to continue working with them in fighting this crime and share information.
” A monetary reward will accompany any information that will lead to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of exhibits,”he said.