Suspected power vandal electrocuted in Lugazi

________________

The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) on Monday, March 16, 2026, strongly warned the public against vandalising or attempting to access electricity transmission infrastructure, noting that high-voltage installations carry dangerous currents and can result in serious injury or death.

The warning follows the electrocution of an unknown suspect who climbed a transmission tower on the Owen Falls–Lugazi transmission line in Lugazi, Buikwe district.

“UETCL informs the public that a suspected vandal was electrocuted while attempting to climb a transmission tower on the Owen Falls–Lugazi Transmission Line in Lugazi. The individual is currently suspended on the tower as arrangements are being made for a technical team to safely retrieve the body. The matter has been handed over to the Police for further investigation,” UETCL said in a statement.

UETCL urged the general public to remain vigilant and report suspected vandals to the nearest police station. The company noted that vandalism not only interrupts power supply but also endangers human life.

Previous vandalism

In November last year, a man was found dead at a high-voltage electricity transmission tower vandalism scene in Nakapinyi village, Kasenge parish, Nama subcounty in Mukono district.

Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said on November 20, 2025, that the incident is believed to have occurred during the nights of November 18 and 19, 2025, when a group of unknown individuals attempted to vandalise a high-voltage power transmission tower connected to the Namawojolo power substation.

“During the act, one of the vandals became trapped within the angle bars of the tower and died instantly. His body, dressed in a blue overall, was found hanging on the structure. The vandalism also caused damage to another tower located about half a kilometre away,” Owoyesigyire said.

He revealed that a case was registered at Mukono Police Division.

“A joint team of Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited officers and Police visited and examined the scene. Statements have been obtained from residents, photographs captured, and task teams are actively pursuing leads to identify and arrest the other suspects involved,” Owoyesigyire said.

He indicated that preliminary findings showed that the deceased was part of a group cutting the high-voltage tower structure (pylon) and was fatally trapped during the collapse attempt.

“Efforts are underway to safely retrieve the body for post-mortem and proper profiling. Police are also working to establish the motive, identify all culprits, and ensure their prosecution. Further updates will be provided as inquiries progress,” Owoyesigyire stated.

Power interruption

Following the November vandalism incident, UETCL said on its social media platforms that some towers collapsed on the 132kV Owen Falls–Mukono North and Mukono North–Namanve South transmission lines due to vandalism, interrupting supply to the Mukono North substation.

UETCL urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected vandals to the nearest police station, noting that vandalism not only disrupts power supply but also endangers human life.

Suspects arrested over vandalism of utility infrastructure are now charged under the Anti–Terrorism Act, 2002, because the vandalism is considered sabotage by the government.

Minister warns

Reacting to the Mukono vandalism incident, energy minister Ruth Nankabirwa said the vandalism, which led to tower collapse and the loss of a life, is an act of outright criminality and economic sabotage.

“Ugandans must understand [that] vandalising power infrastructure is not just theft, it is an attack on national stability, public safety and our economic progress. We will not tolerate it. I urge the public to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious individuals tampering with electricity infrastructure,” the minister said.

Five suspects have since been charged and remanded over the Mukono vandalism incident.