Three arrested in Lira city over theft of electricity wires

20 March 2023, 11:06 am

By Voice of Lango editorial (editor@vol.co.ug) 

Lira

A joint security operation conducted by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and police in Lira city has resulted in the arrest of three people in connection with theft of electricity wires for sale as scraps.

At around 11:00am yesterday, security operatives stormed the home of Hajji Ahmad Njagala in Gwengabara, Angwetangwet, Lira city East division and his other home in Kakoge B, Kakoge , Lira City west division where electricity wires suspected to have been stolen were recovered.

Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole said the operation followed intelligence reports that some of the stolen items were being kept in the suspect’s home.

The LC1 chairman of Gwengabara Victor Angena said he was not aware of the theft of the electricity wires in his area.

Omara Moses said they suspect that the electricity wires are usually brought at night since they have never seen them before, being ferried.

Hajji Ahmed Njagalla 58, Okello Mohamed 50, and Anywari Safa 15, were all arrested in connection with the offense and the matter has been filled at Lira city west division police Ref No. 08\19\03\2023.

Government has been grappling with vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure.

According to power regulator UMEME, Uganda loses 26 billion shillings annually in electricity sector to vandals.