The Police in Luweero District have arrested two suspects and recovered three rolls of electric wire believed to have been vandalised from power installations across the Savannah Region.
A Toyota Starlet vehicle and a Bajaj motorcycle, which were being used by the suspects to ferry the materials, were also impounded and parked at Luweero Central Police Station, where the suspects are being held.
Police said on Thursday that last week’s arrest followed a tip-off arising from numerous vandalism of electrical infrastructure across the Savannah region, which has caused regular power outages in the area.
Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Sam Twiineamaziima explained that the operation targeted a hideout where the suspects reportedly collect the stolen materials before they are transported to Kampala.
“Preliminary inquiries indicate the recovered wire may have been cut from multiple locations across the Savannah Region and that buyers travelled from Kampala to collect the material,” ASP Twiineamazima said in a statement.
Two suspects, who are former employees of UMEME in greater Luweero, are also on the run in connection with the crime.
The operation, being manned by the Flying Squad Unit and Territorial Police, will reportedly extend to Kampala, where the chain for wider distribution and sale of the stolen electrical materials is being done.
Electricity vandalism remains a persistent challenge in Uganda, with cases of theft and destruction of power infrastructure often leading to costly outages and safety hazards for surrounding communities.