UMEME has unearthed a total of 8,000 people who were illegally connected to the power grid since the year began. 

In the same period, the electricity company arrested 4,000 people, according to Christine Namutebi, the UMEME metering service manager. 

Namutebi explained that the vice was mostly witnessed in greater Kampala Metropolitan, Jinja and surrounding areas, Mbale, Masaka, and Mityana districts. 

“Power theft and vandalism of electricity equipment can lead to death, destruction of property and can earn one a jail sentence,” Namutebi said. 

She made the remarks in a short video that launched the resumption of the electricity company’s Komboa operation. 

This operation that started in 2019 but was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, seeks to curb theft and illegal connections which Namutebi said has significantly increased. 

“This operation has revealed many challenges related to power theft and illegal connections. The challenges are especially on safety where some members of the public have lost their lives, technical teams injured and equipment damaged,” she said. 

Another challenge to power theft Namutebi explained is the power disruptions illegal connections present. 

At least 10 people die weekly due to electrocution in Uganda, according to the 2014 Uganda Police Force Crime Report.  

She appealed to the public to report any illegal connections to the nearest police station, local authority or directly to the power company. 

More operations of the same nature have been launched in Mbarara district. 

Meanwhile UMEME in a tweet, announced power outages in Zana, Nyanama, Bunamwaya, Kisingiri, Philly Lutaaya Zone and Kikumbi.  

“We are handling to ensure this is rectified to have supply restored. Inconvenience highly regretted,” the electricity company noted.