Serere court jails man four years for power vandalism

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The Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Serere district has sentenced a 30-year-old man to four years in prison after finding him guilty of electricity vandalism and illegal diversion of power.

Denis Sylvenus Obany was on Tuesday (March 17) convicted of damaging electricity infrastructure and interfering with power supply lines.

Grade one magistrate Edmond Okiror reading the judgement to Obany who was found guilty of electricity vandalism and illegal diversion of power. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

The court heard that between March and April 2025, at Ocaapa trading centre in Serere district, Obany deliberately destroyed a power pole, disrupting electricity supply and causing significant inconvenience to consumers.

In his ruling, Grade One Magistrate Edmond Okiror noted that such offences are increasingly common and require firm punishment to deter would-be offenders.

“The actions of the convict endangered lives and property due to unsafe practices, caused financial loss to the supplier, and led to widespread disruption of electricity supply,” Okiror ruled.

Obany pleaded for leniency, citing that he is a first-time offender and the sole provider for his family, including a wife who recently underwent surgery. He also told the court he is battling a kidney illness. However, the magistrate dismissed his plea.

“For that reason, I find a sentence of four years’ imprisonment appropriate as a deterrent. I so order,” Okiror stated.

Officials from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) welcomed the judgment, describing vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure as a major challenge affecting service delivery.

UEDCL communications manager Stephen Ilungole said many power outages experienced by consumers are caused by deliberate acts of vandalism and illegal connections.

UEDCL communications manager Stephen Ilungole speaking to the media after the ruling. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

“Most outages are not accidental but are created through power theft and vandalism, which disrupts supply and endangers communities,” Ilungole said.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving electricity infrastructure.

“If you see anyone tampering with or climbing electricity poles without authorisation, report them immediately or alert authorities,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force says it has intensified operations against power vandalism, with more than 60 suspects recently arrested in districts including Wakiso, Kampala and Luweero. Police say the crime remains most prevalent in the central region.