Mbarara Police recovers 2,000 metres of power cables

MBARARA – The Police in Mbarara are holding a man suspected to be part of a gang that has been vandalising electricity power lines from UMEME networks in the district.

James Atwine, who is currently nursing a bullet wound at Mbarara Hospital, was arrested after Police shot at a vehicle; Canta number UBK 830J, that was carrying vandalised materials.

Addressing journalists, Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Region Police spokesperson, said they tried to stop the vehicle that was carrying over 2,000 metres of vandalized electricity wires, in vain, which forced security officers to shoot, injuring Atwine.

Thomas Tondo, the UMEME operations manager Mbarara branch, said the impounded wires, worth sh90m, were vandalised from the industrial NVI hub in Rushozi, Rubaya sub-county, Kashari South, Mbarara district.

He said they have been losing a lot of materials to vandals.

Tondo added that the line where conductors were stolen is a new extension to an industrial hub that is almost complete.

“It is due to be commissioned by the President. We consider this as economic sabotage,” he said.

Kasasira said the Police will continue carrying out operations to crack down thieves that have been stealing electricity infrastructure in the region.

He said cases of vandalism have derailed development of many areas. Kasasira added that they are also investigating reports of UMEME staff being involved in the vice, adding that they will carry out undercover operations to apprehend the suspects.

He cautioned the public to desist from such acts, but rather work with the Police to eliminate the practice.

Tondo hailed Rubaya community members, who tipped the Police.

He said they have got a lot of information, which is being studied by UMEME security team and that this could lead them to those involved in vandalism and where they sell the materials.

Tondo added that UMEME will continue to carry out community sensitisation to protect government facilities from bad elements.