Five individuals suspected of vandalizing solar street lights in Kabale town, valued at Shs225.75 million, have been arrested by the police. The suspects are currently detained at Kabale police station, facing charges of theft, possession of breaking implements, malicious damage, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The suspects, identified as Gerevazio Ampaire (18), Martin Muhereza (28), Esera Mirembe (40), Gerevazio Habomugisha (40), and Edita Arineitwe (22), are alleged to have conspired between July and September 2024 to damage street light solar panels in areas such as Makanga cell, Rwakaraba cell, Rushoroza, and Nyabikoni in Kabale Municipality. The damaged property, worth Shs225.75 million, belongs to the government of Uganda, specifically Kabale Municipality.
The police believe the suspects have repeatedly engaged in these acts, selling the stolen items in Kabale town to a businessman named Nuwamanya in neighboring Rubanda District. While Nuwamanya remains at large, his wife, Edita Arinaitwe, was apprehended alongside the other suspects. During the arrest, a search led to the recovery of two stolen solar batteries from the suspects.
Kabale municipal council mayor, Sentero Byamugisha, urged the police to continue the operation, as the vandalism appears to involve a larger network. He also stressed that the suspects should replace all the vandalized solar panels before facing prosecution.
In June 2023, Kabale municipal council approved the installation of 204 solar-powered street lights, worth Shs1.99 billion, to enhance night business in Kabale town. Following the project’s completion in April 2024, the Kabale Resident District Commissioner, Godfrey Nyakahuma, instructed security forces to take strict action against anyone caught vandalizing government infrastructure as a deterrent to future offenders.