Mbarara Mayor Alarmed by Rising Streetlights Theft

The Mayor of Mbarara City, Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, has expressed bewilderment over the persistent vandalism of solar streetlights within the city. Thugs have been stealing solar batteries and panels, a trend that Kakyebezi believes is contributing to increased insecurity in Mbarara.

In response to this issue, Mayor Kakyebezi has appealed to the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. He emphasizes the importance of community cooperation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the thefts.

During an interview with New Vision Online on Thursday, December 28, 2023, Kakyebezi expressed his astonishment at the audacity of the thieves who climb streetlight poles to steal solar panels and batteries without being detected. He stressed the need for increased vigilance to curb this criminal activity.

Mayor Kakyebezi highlighted that the areas most affected by the vandalism include highways, Kijungu, Bus Park, and Kashanyarazi. He issued a stern warning, stating that individuals caught vandalizing or in possession of stolen solar batteries and panels will face charges related to terrorism due to the potential threat to public safety.

The mayor shared that the vandals are known to some community members, implying that the criminal activity might be orchestrated by individuals within Mbarara. This revelation further underscores the importance of community involvement in addressing the issue.

The ongoing thefts pose a threat to the positive developments in the city, as a total of 778 streetlights were installed in the financial year 2020/2021 under the USMID project. This initiative aimed to enhance the city’s appearance and overall safety. The mayor’s call for vigilance and community support becomes crucial in safeguarding these valuable public assets and maintaining the progress achieved through such projects.

Table: Most Affected Areas

Table: Project Impact