(Malaba) – The Uganda Police Force has intensified its search for a suspect linked to utility vandalism in the border town of Malaba. This follows a recent incident where transformers were damaged, leaving residents without power since October 5, 2024.
Police publicist Rusoke Kituuma announced that a police dog named Vegas played a crucial role in identifying the suspect, Joseph Okwalinga. The dog led investigators to Okwalinga’s home, where they discovered multiple electricity meters, wires, and equipment belonging to Umeme, the local electricity provider.
“Upon searching Okwalinga’s residence, we found many incriminating items that confirm his involvement in the vandalism,” Kituuma stated during a security briefing at the police headquarters in Naguru on October 28, 2024. He confirmed that Okwalinga is currently evading arrest.
The police have emphasized the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure, such as water and electricity, which are vital for everyday life. The authorities are launching a crackdown on utility vandalism, given its potential to disrupt essential services for the community.
Former police spokesperson Fred Enanga highlighted the sophistication of the country’s utility infrastructure, which serves the health, safety, and economic well-being of all citizens and visitors. He stated, “Any attack or destruction of a single point of our critical infrastructure could lead to significant disruptions or destruction that would harm the community and the country at large.”
In response to the rising incidents of utility vandalism, the police have started to charge suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002. This legal approach stems from the government’s view that such acts of vandalism constitute sabotage.
Experts attribute the ongoing issue of utility vandalism to unregulated scrap trading in the country. Scrap collection centers have emerged, operated by entrepreneurs who buy discarded items and resell them to factories that can repurpose them. This trade has created a market for stolen utility materials, fueling the problem of vandalism.
The police are appealing to the public for any information that could aid in the arrest of Okwalinga and are urging community members to remain vigilant in protecting essential services.
