Kampala-The Joint Anti-Vandalism task force has launched operations against vandalism and destruction of Electricity assets in the country.
The taskforce comprises Uganda Police, UPDF, Joint Intelligence Components, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (UETCL), Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited {UEDCL}, UMEME and other licensed operators.
According to Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, 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.
He says 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.
“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. 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.” Said Enanga
He has urged the public to continue working with them in fighting this crime and share information, on telephone numbers; 0774973063, 0707928088, 0772513713, 0701513731, 0772505515, 0702505515, 0706640077, 0772537215, 0752088642, 0774275542, 0774956740 and 0700359891.
Police says a monetary reward will accompany any information that will lead to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of exhibits
