BY CHARLES KAKAMWA

Theft of electric cables has increased in Mbale, Sironko, Pallisa and Bugiri districts. The Umeme eastern manager, Robert Mubiru, on Friday told New Vision that at least 30 kilometres of conduct cables had been stolen in the region in the recent months.

“Pallisa town recently went without power for three weeks after cables had been cut. We replaced them but they were again cut,” he said.

Mubiru explained that the thieves also cut electric poles. He noted that replacing the vandalised equipment was costly to the company.

Mubiru said a man in Kamuli town, who was trying to cut electric cables, fell down and died. He said no arrests have been made, but added that the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, had given him policemen to work with to stop the vice.

Mubiru asked residents to be vigilant and report suspects to the Police and Umeme.