Rogue electricity agents blamed as 'artificial blackout' scandal rocks Wakiso

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The Uganda Police Force, in collaboration with the country’s electricity regulatory bodies, has launched an investigation into widespread electricity infrastructure vandalism and extortion schemes targeting communities in Wakiso and surrounding districts.

Speaking to the media at the Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, July 14, 2025, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma revealed a worrying trend in which rogue elements, including some with technical expertise in the power sector, have been tampering with transformers and power lines, cutting off entire villages from electricity, and then soliciting money from residents in exchange for restoration.

“This issue, commonly referred to as ‘tap-changing’, involves criminals who know how to manipulate transformer settings or sabotage infrastructure,” Kituuma said.

“They create artificial blackouts, then use middlemen or ‘agents’ to extort money from the affected communities.”

According to the Police and the electricity regulatory authority, affected areas include parts of Wakiso such as Munyonyo, Kyengera, Nansana, Gayaza, Kabanyoro, and Nangabo. Similar cases have also been reported in Mityana district.

“These activities are highly organised,” Kituuma noted.

“In some cases, the suspects are not just random thugs—they are trained personnel who know the electricity systems well and may even include insiders.”

Worse still, Kituuma revealed that in some incidents, the criminals have posed as legitimate workers from power companies, misleading communities into believing they are carrying out official maintenance, while in reality, they are running extortion rackets.

Residents reportedly pay bribes to get their electricity restored—a practice that not only undermines public trust but also encourages further sabotage.

The Police are working with the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), UEDCL, and other stakeholders to identify and arrest the culprits.

Authorities have warned the public against falling victim to the scam and urged communities to report any suspicious activity immediately.

“The public plays a crucial role here. We ask residents to report to police, the regulatory authorities, their local councils, or any responsible leaders whenever they encounter such fraud,” Kituuma said.

He emphasised that the punishment for vandalising electricity infrastructure is severe, including fines of up to close to shillings one billion and jail terms of up to 15 years.

“This is not a small offence. It affects entire communities, economic activities, and even critical infrastructure like hospitals and schools,” he said. “Let those involved know we are closing in.”

Police intelligence has already identified several suspects, including known middlemen who act as conduits between the vandals and the unsuspecting public.

The Police are appealing to residents, particularly in affected zones, not to pay any money to individuals claiming to restore power and to seek help only through official channels.