The Uganda Police Force has sounded a stern warning to individuals tampering with the nation’s electricity infrastructure, labeling the acts as organized criminal activity that will be met with the full force of the law.
Police spokesperson, Rusoke Kituuma confirmed that a growing number of cases have been reported involving vandalism of power transformers through a method known as “tap changing”.
he noted that criminals manipulate the equipment and then extort money from entire villages under the promise of restoring electricity.
“These individuals are not only breaking the law, they’re holding communities hostage,” said Kituuma.
“We have received reports from Bunamwaya, Kyengera, Nabingo, Gayaza, Kabanyoro in Wakiso District, and Nakibanga in Mityana District. This is widespread and deeply concerning.”
In addition to transformer tampering, Kituuma highlighted the illegal activities of uncertified electricians who unlawfully reroute village power connections from unstable lines to stable ones.
He stressed that such unauthorized alterations, along with the theft and resale of electric infrastructure materials, pose serious risks to public safety.
“We are actively hunting down all those involved—not just the vandals, but also the buyers of stolen electrical equipment,” Kituuma stated. “Let it be known that anyone caught will face severe consequences.”
According to the law, offenders face up to 15 years in prison or fines of up to one billion Ugandan shillings.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police, the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), or local leadership.
“This is a matter of national importance,” Kituuma emphasized. “We call upon every citizen to work with security agencies to safeguard our power infrastructure and ensure reliable electricity for all.”
