17 charged with electricity infrastructure vandalism in Uganda
Seventeen individuals have been charged in connection with the widespread vandalism of electricity infrastructure that has disrupted power supply across several regions of Uganda, including the Kampala Metropolitan Area, Luweero, Nakasongola, Mityana, Kiboga, and Mubende.
The suspects were arraigned before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on charges of terrorism, following a joint operation by security agencies and the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (UEDCL).
The crackdown targeted what authorities believe is an organized network responsible for systematic attacks on critical components of the national power grid.
Those charged include Joseph Ssemanda, Emmanuel Kato, and Yasin Mutyaba, among others.
According to court documents, the offenses were committed between 2022 and May 2025, with the group accused of deliberately sabotaging electricity infrastructure to intimidate the public and influence the government for political, social, and economic purposes.
In an official statement posted via the Uganda Police Force’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account, authorities confirmed that the suspects caused significant power disruptions to key installations, including Luweero Industries and Nakasongola Military Hospital.
The damage led to massive load shedding, high infrastructure replacement costs, and interruptions to both domestic and commercial electricity users.
“The suspects vandalized and interfered with electricity infrastructure to intimidate the public and influence the government for political, social, and economic aims,” the police statement read. “These acts caused severe disruptions to essential facilities and undermined national stability.”
Security officials have labelled the acts as serious threats to public safety and national development, citing the strain on government resources and the impact on sectors such as healthcare, defence, and manufacturing.
The public is being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near electricity infrastructure to local leaders, security agencies, or directly to UEDCL.
Investigations remain active, and authorities warn that additional arrests are likely as the probe into the network’s full extent continues.
