Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court has charged 17 people with terrorism resulting from vandalism of electricity installations from various parts of the country.
These people who were arrested from a joint operation conducted by UEDCL, Criminal Investigation Division of Uganda Police, Defence Intelligence and Security, on Wednesday had their charges read before Nakawa Grade one Magistrate Andrew Katulubuki.
“Don’t say anything about the charges which have been read to you because they are capital in nature and can only be heard by the High Court. After Prosecution has concluded investigations, you will be produced to High Court.”
The state Prosecutor handling this matter along side Jessy Kitenda, a prosecutor from Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), have informed court that investigations are still under way and thus asked for adjournment of the matter.
The Magistrate has thus adjourned the matter to 17th July 2025 for mention and the accused have been remanded to Luzira Prison until that date.
Majority of the accused persons, are aged between 30 to 49 with most of them being scrap dealers from various parts of the country.
Prosecution contends that Ssemanda Joseph and 16 others at large between 2022 and May 2025 in the various areas of Kampala Metropolitan, Luweero, Nakasongola, Mityana, Kiboga and Mubende districts, for purposes of influencing government or intimidating the public and for political, social and economic aims, indiscriminately without due regard for safety of others or property interfered with electricity system by cutting down or destroying the electricity network resulting into disruptions of provision of essential services to wit electricity supply in military facility (Luwero industries limited, Nakasongola Military Hospital) and other parts of Uganda.
Stephen Illungole, the Manager Communications and Public Relations UEDCL, on addressing the press immediately after Court session, revealed that under the Electricity Amendment Act 2022, power thieves and vandals face up to 15 years in jail or up to 2 billion shillings in jail or both.
He further called upon the members of the general public to guard jealousy all electrical installations and report all those involved in vandalizing of the electrical equipment.
“Monthly, we spend close to 3 billion monthly trying to compensate people for the losses caused by vandalism.” Remarked Jessy Kitenda UEDCL Prosecutor
