Police at Soroti Central Police Station in Soroti district, have registered a case of theft and vandalism of electricity wires in Merok village, Merok parish, Katine county, along Soroti Lira Highway, vide SD REF 02/12/11/2022.

During the intervention by officers stationed at Katine police station, Anyou Samuel, a resident of Olano Village, Oculoi Parish, in Oculoi sub-county within Soroti District was shot dead at the scene of the incident.

East Kyoga Police Spokesperson Oscar Gerigory Ageca says the preliminary findings indicate that on the November 12th, 2022, at about 00:15AM, the above matter was reported to Katine police station that there were individuals spotted vandalizing Umeme power/electricity cables.

“A team of officers were dispatched and on reaching the scene, the officers found five individuals with bundles of wires and assorted items such as cutting implements,” Ageca said.

Ageca added that “when the officers reached the scene and ordered the suspects to stop, they instead started flashing very bright lights to disorient the officers and throwing implements at the officers. The officers opened fire after the suspects started advancing towards them with intention to hurt and possibly disarm them.”

He added during the chaos that ensued, one of the thieves mentioned above was shot and put out of action, following the previous disarming and killing of a police officer.

“When we visited the scene, we recovered some exhibits”, said Ageca.

The police mouthpiece advised residents to always alert the police in case of such incidents, for the quick response.

”I urge the public to immediately inform the police if and when you notice theft of public infrastructure.”

The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) describes theft and vandalism of electrical equipment as a major threat in the fulfillment of future development plans in the electricity supply industry.

Following the passing of Uganda’s new Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022, Ugandans found guilty of vandalizing electricity infrastructure may face a fine of $283,764.96 (UGX 1-billion) or a 15-year jail sentence, just five years short of the Ugandan life sentence term of 20 years.