Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
In a landmark case that reverberated through Wakiso district, a plumber named James Kasimwe has been handed an eight-year prison sentence for his role in vandalizing vital electricity infrastructure. The Standards, Utilities, and Wildlife Court at Buganda Road in Kampala delivered the verdict, leaving the community astonished by the severity of the punishment.
Led by prosecutor Charlotte Kyohairwe, the case against Kasimwe presented compelling evidence that on November 30, 2022, he committed a brazen act of cutting electricity meters at Buwanuka Kimece parish in Wakiso district. This reckless action resulted in significant disruption to electrical services, impacting both Umeme and local residents.
Presiding over the trial, Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu sternly warned vandals like Kasimwe, emphasizing that the vandalism of power infrastructure is a grave offense. The Electricity Act of 2022 stipulates a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison or a substantial fine of up to one billion shillings, or both, for such acts of sabotage.
Kasimwe’s accomplices, including a soldier, two plumbers, and a farmer, are currently awaiting trial after pleading not guilty to the charges. The court is yet to rule on their involvement, but the severity of the sentence handed down to Kasimwe serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences they may face.
Magistrate Kamasanyu expressed concern over the growing frequency of power infrastructure vandalism and the significant financial burden it imposes on replacing the damaged components. She took into account Kasimwe’s history of similar offenses, underscoring the need to hold repeat offenders accountable for their actions.
Of particular interest is the fact that this was not Kasimwe’s first brush with the law for vandalizing electrical installations. Prior to this conviction, he had already been sentenced to four years in jail on July 31, 2023, for tampering with electrical installations in Mbarara district. The cumulative effect of his repeat offenses resulted in a substantially longer sentence in the current case.
The case has brought to light the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and the grave consequences awaiting those who seek to undermine its integrity. As the legal proceedings for Kasimwe’s accomplices continue, the community awaits further rulings that will hopefully serve as a deterrent to others who might contemplate such acts in the future.
