17 electricity vandalism suspects slapped with terror charges
The alleged acts disrupted the provision of essential services, including electricity supply to key military installations such as Luwero Industries Limited and Nakasongola Military Hospital, as well as to other parts of the country.
17 electricity vandalism suspects during court. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
By Michael Odeng and Charity Nuwagaba
Journalists @New Vision
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A Kenyan and an Indian national are among 17 men charged with terrorism for allegedly vandalising power lines.
The suspects reportedly endangered critical state infrastructure by dismantling and collecting it as scrap.
Suspects emerging from the prisons bus. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
On Tuesday, July 1, Nakawa Grade One Magistrate Andrew Katurubuki read the charges to the accused and remanded them to Luzira Prison until July 17, 2025.
They were charged with terrorism, contrary to Section 6(1)(b) and (3)(n) of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
A State Attorney from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mahatma Odong, informed the court that investigations are still ongoing.
Prosecution alleges that between 2022 and May 2025, the accused and others still at large, in various parts of Kampala Metropolitan Area, Luwero, Nakasongola, Mityana, Kiboga, and Mubende districts, interfered with the electricity system by cutting down or destroying the electricity network.
It is further alleged that the suspects acted with the aim of influencing government or intimidating the public for political, social, or economic objectives, indiscriminately and without due regard for public safety or property.
The alleged acts disrupted the provision of essential services, including electricity supply to key military installations such as Luwero Industries Limited and Nakasongola Military Hospital, as well as to other parts of the country.
Accused persons
Among those charged are businessman Joseph Semanda, police driver Emmanuel Kato (attached to Mukono Central Police Station), Josephat Muhumuza, Yasin Mutyaba Ssalongo, and Arafat Kakerewe.
Penalties
The government has implemented stringent laws to combat vandalism of electricity infrastructure, particularly following the 2022 amendment of the Electricity Act.
Under the amended Act, first-time offenders face up to 12 years’ imprisonment or a fine of sh1 billion. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties of up to 15 years in prison or a sh2 billion fine.
Additionally, vandalism of critical national infrastructure may be prosecuted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act if the destruction is deemed intentional and aimed at destabilising essential services.