KAMPALA — The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has called on the public to take greater responsibility in combating electricity theft, emphasizing that the illegal practice not only endangers lives but also results in increased costs for honest consumers.
Speaking during a joint media briefing with the Uganda Police at their Naguru headquarters on July 21st, a UEDCL spokesperson expressed deep concern over the growing trend of electricity theft and sabotage, noting that such activities undermine national service delivery and public safety.
The spokesperson cited a recent case involving 27-year-old Kasule S. Brighton, a TikTok content creator from Busega, who recorded and shared a video on June 11th encouraging people to reconnect disconnected power lines illegally. The video, played during the press conference, was strongly condemned by authorities.
“Tampering with the national electricity infrastructure is not only criminal—it is a serious threat to public safety,” said the UEDCL spokesperson.
According to the Electricity Act, those found guilty of interfering with power infrastructure or engaging in illegal connections face serious penalties. Tampering with wires and meters can lead to up to 12 years in prison, while unauthorized connections carry a 10-year sentence. Offenders may also be required to pay fines of up to 20 times the value of the electricity stolen.
Beyond the legal consequences, UEDCL stressed the physical dangers associated with electricity theft. These include:
- Electrocution: Illegal connections are often done without proper insulation or safety precautions, putting both the perpetrator and unsuspecting members of the public at risk of fatal electric shocks.
- Fire Hazards: Poorly done connections can spark fires, especially in densely populated urban areas.
- Power Instability: Unauthorized tapping into the grid can destabilize voltage levels, leading to outages and damage to household appliances.
- Delayed Infrastructure Expansion: Financial losses from theft limit UEDCL’s ability to invest in grid improvements and rural electrification projects.
UEDCL commended the Uganda Police for recent arrests and urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity involving electricity infrastructure.
“Protecting our power system is a collective responsibility,” the spokesperson concluded. “Every act of theft is a setback for the country’s development and a danger to all citizens.”
The utility company reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with law enforcement and local communities to ensure safer, more reliable power distribution across Uganda