President Yoweri Museveni has ordered the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to spearhead a coordinated security response aimed at curbing the rampant vandalism of electricity infrastructure in central Uganda.

This directive follows a wave of destruction targeting power installations across the districts of Nakasongola, Luwero, and Nakaseke. Recent incidents in towns such as Wabigalo, Kakooge, and Katuugo have left residents and businesses without power, after criminals armed with metal cutters brought down electric poles and stole copper wires.

Speaking during a media briefing at the State Lodge in Luwero as part of his ongoing Parish Development Model (PDM) tour, President Museveni condemned the acts as economic sabotage. He warned that tougher measures, including a possible “shoot-to-kill” policy, may be considered if the situation persists.

“The continued destruction of electricity lines is not only criminal but a direct attack on our development efforts. I have directed Gen. Muhoozi to lead an inter-agency task force to eliminate this threat,” Museveni stated.

The President outlined immediate plans for a multi-agency task force comprising the police, army, and intelligence units. Proposed measures include stepped-up patrols, the deployment of security personnel to high-risk areas, and installation of CCTV surveillance at key points along the power grid.

In one of the most recent cases, vandals cut down two high-voltage electric poles in Lubenge Swamp near Kakooge and stole over 600 meters of wire valued at approximately Shs 20 million.

Local security reports suggest that many suspects behind the crimes operate out of Kampala and Wakiso districts. In past months, police have arrested several individuals, including three men caught in the act in Kitasure Village, Luwero District, and five others apprehended in Nakaseke for related offenses.

Authorities say the growing scale and coordination of these crimes pose a significant threat to public infrastructure and economic stability. Former electricity distributor UMEME previously reported losses exceeding Shs 26 billion due to vandalism of copper wires, transformers, and poles in 2021 alone.

In light of the seriousness of these offenses, law enforcement has proposed prosecuting culprits under the Anti-Terrorism Act to secure harsher penalties and discourage future attacks.

President Museveni is scheduled to conclude his PDM tour in Nakasongola District, where he will inaugurate the PURA Organic Factory and address a community gathering.