A businessman from Soroti has been apprehended for allegedly stealing water pipes belonging to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). The suspect, Yusuf Jibigaye, 40, resides in Akishim Ward, East Division, Soroti City. His arrest occurred last week after police recovered 23 metallic pipes from his scrap store, according to Uganda Police Force Deputy Spokesperson Claire Nabakka.
Nabakka informed the media that Jibigaye is currently held at Soroti Central Police Station. His case file has been forwarded to the state attorney for further legal action. This arrest followed an intelligence-led operation aimed at addressing the rise in thefts of utility infrastructure, including water meters, which have been reported in various parts of the city, such as Majengo Road.
Nabakka emphasized the importance of community involvement in reporting such cases to prevent further damage to critical infrastructure. “We continue to work with different entities to ensure these cases are reported, and we do call upon the communities to report them so we can stop them from destroying our infrastructure,” she stated on July 1, 2024.
This incident is part of a broader issue of vandalism affecting water and electricity infrastructure across Uganda. Last year, outgoing police spokesperson Fred Enanga announced an intensified crackdown on these crimes, highlighting the importance of protecting critical infrastructure that supports daily life.
Enanga explained that Uganda’s utility infrastructure, including electricity and water systems, is highly complex and vital for the health, safety, security, and economic well-being of all residents and visitors. “Any attack or destruction of a single point of our critical infrastructure could lead to disruptions or destruction that could harm the community and the country at large,” he said.
Suspects involved in the vandalism of utility infrastructure are prosecuted under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2002, as the government views such acts as sabotage.
