Police have apprehended five individuals suspected of vandalizing street light solar panels valued at Shs225.75 million in Kabale town.
According to the police spokesman for the Kigezi region, Mr. Elly Maate, the suspects are being held at Kabale police station under case CRB674/2024, facing charges of theft, possession of burglary tools, malicious damage, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Gerevazio Ampaire (18), Martin Muhereza (28), Esera Mirembe (40), Gerevazio Habomugisha (40), and Edita Arineitwe (22).
“Its alleged that, between the month of July and September 2024 at the areas of Makanga cell, Rwakaraba cell, Rushoroza and Nyabikoni, within hours of the night, in Kabale Municipality, the suspects conspired together and maliciously damaged street lights solar panels valued at Shs225,750,000 million, the property of government of Uganda, specifically for Kabale Municipality,” Mr Maate said.
Mr. Maate further revealed that the suspects have repeatedly engaged in these criminal activities, subsequently selling the stolen items from Kabale town to a businessman named Nuwamanya in the neighboring Rubanda District.
While Nuwamanya remains at large, his wife, Edita Arinaitwe, was apprehended along with the other suspects.
“The suspects were arrested through an intelligence led operation from their hideouts although others went on the run. During the arrest, search was conducted that led to the recovery of two solar batteries from Mirembe Esera and Mushwaza respectively,” Mr Maate said.
The Kabale municipal council mayor, Mr Sentero Byamugisha asked the police to continue with the operation because the racket is big.
“The arrested suspects must replace all the vandalized street light solar panels before they are prosecuted. As Kabale municipal council, we appreciate the efforts of the police in arresting the suspects,” Mr Byamugisha said.
In June 2023, the Kabale municipal council authorized the installation of 204 solar-powered street lights, valued at Shs. 1.99 billion, throughout Kabale town to enhance and support nighttime commerce.
During the project’s inauguration in April, Kabale Resident District Commissioner Mr. Godfrey Nyakahuma directed the police and other security agencies to take stringent action against anyone caught vandalizing government property, as a deterrent to prevent future incidents.