By Isaac Nuwagaba

The state minister for works, Eng. John Byabagambi, has warned against stealing and vandalising Kabale-Kisoro road furniture. He said this is likely to increase road accidents on the newly constructed road.

Byabagambi said road furniture items which include signposts, provide the necessary warnings, rules, distance, and directional information for drivers and pedestrians.

The minister said this while handing over road furniture which had been stolen from the newly constructed road to Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). The hand over took place at Karukara market in Hamurwa sub-county in Kabale district.

The stolen road furniture that was recovered light reflectors, signposts, wire mesh, and cemented blocks.

Byabagambi warned the residents against theft and vandalism saying the culprits risk being shot on sight by security operatives at night because they are considered as highway robbers who deserve no protection whatsoever.

He commended Police for recovering the road signs.

The President had earlier on directed that district officials recover the stolen items by December 30 or risk being sacked.

Robert Byekwaso, UNRA’s Kabale district station engineer said they have lost 121 sign posts that were stolen during the construction of a sh200b Kabale-Kyanika- Bunagana road.

The regional police commander for Kigezi, Olivia Wawire, said the operation, which lasted a month has seen 11 suspects being arrested or prosecuted.

One person has been convicted and sentenced to one year in prison.