Five people have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in the theft of electric wires in Mukono district. The arrests took place on November 15, 2024, around 12:25 PM, following a tip-off about a group suspected of stealing electricity infrastructure.
This led to a joint operation by the police and army in Katega village, located in Kyampisi sub-county. During the raid, the authorities caught the five suspects in the act, seizing two rows of ABC conductor electric wires, UMEME uniforms, and various other tools associated with the crime.
The suspects were identified were Ntale Peter, Adolf Kyalisima, Hamis Rashid Kaye, Isa Kajubi, and Miracle Nabulya.
According to police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, the local community became enraged and attempted to take matters into their own hands, but law enforcement stepped in to maintain order at the scene.
“A search of Hamis Kaye Rashid’s vehicle, registration number UBQ585K, revealed two rolls of ABC conductor wires. Additionally, a further search at Ntale Peter’s residence yielded UMEME uniforms, climbing shoes, belts, and other electrical equipment. All suspects are currently in police custody awaiting prosecution,” he added.
Kituuma said this marks the second arrest for Ntale in connection with theft and vandalism; he was previously apprehended on April 23, 2023, during an operation for similar offenses.
“On this occasion, police received reports of suspicious activities at Peter’s residence police, who responded with UPDF soldiers to cordon off the area,” he noted
During the cordon off, Kajubi arrived in a Noah vehicle (registration UBQ585K) with Nabulya as a passenger.
They spotted the military nearby and tried to escape, but were caught with two strands of ABC conductor wires. This resulted in their arrest, along with three others discovered at Peter’s residence.
“There have been notable vandalism cases in Kyampisi sub-county, with Kajubi previously linked to theft incidents on November 4, 2024. His motorcycle was left behind during a prior escape after committing vandalism,” he added.
He said Kyalisima’s motorcycle was also found containing UMEME uniforms and climbing shoes.
“Ntale Peter appears to be a key figure behind these thefts in Mukono District and surrounding areas. He has been arrested several times and made multiple court appearances; he has consistently been released on bail,” he noted.
