Copper fibre thief survives lynching

A group of unidentified men in Bugolobi, a suburb on the outskirts of Kampala, survived lynching by a mob that found them vandalizing a Uganda Telecom utility hole. 

The drama started when a UTL technician Dominic Ojok, who was going about his duties saw a group of three suspicious looking men with motorcycles stationed near the utility hole.

Upon asking them for their identification they quickly sped off with their bikes, leaving behind, one Wahab Kakubamundu, who was inside the utility hole pulling out copper wires. 

Kakumbamundu then tried to take to his heels, but Ojok ran after him drawing the attention of a mob that joined the chase.

He ran and hid in a nearby banana plantation on land owned by UBC, from where he was smoked out by Police guarding the land.

Police had to fire warning shots to disperse the crowd and force Kakubamundu out of his hideout.

He was detained by Police to help with investigations and track his other accomplices who are still on the run. 

Previously, Uganda Telecom has had issues with thugs vandalizing equipment. In the past the company has run campaigns to reward people who report or arrest vandals caught in the act. 

"Vandalism is a general problem that many sectors face. However, we urge the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around UTL installations such as masts, utility holes and poles. All UTL technicians who are on duty dress in company coveralls or coats complete with a UTL logo and wear valid company identity cards" UTL Public Relations Officer Tonny Achidria said.

"Our goal at UTL is to ensure complete customer satisfaction and this can only be achieved with the help of the public. We have a free hotline, 0800 160 000, specifically to handle such cases, and whistle blowers are rewarded and recognized by the company" he added.