On 19^th February 2020, the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court (the Electricity Court) sentenced an electrician; Wadda Vincent to one year imprisonment or a fine of Uganda Shillings One Million, Five Hundred Thousand (UGX 1,500,000) for selling his Installation Permit and Notification  of Completion Certificate Booklets.

Wadda Vincent, aged 25, a resident of Bombo in Luwero District was arrested on 18^th April 2018, at Bombo Town in Luwero District upon receipt of information by ERA that he had handed over his Installation Permit and Notification of Completion of….. Certificate Booklets to Nakibuuka Justine for sale to the public, contrary to Section 383 (2) of the Penal Code Act, and the Rules of Procedure provided by the Electricity Regulatory Authority.

Magistrate Marion Mangeni while sentencing Wadda noted that illegal acts committed by Electricians are a big hazard to the safety of life and property. She noted that the sentencing of Wadda should be a warning to other Electricians to stay away from such acts and perform their duties legally and professionally.

Mwidu Ernest, a resident of Kalungami Village in Mafubira Sub County, Mugume Bernard, a resident of Polota Village In Kakira, Mugasa Wilson, a resident of Mpungwe village in Buwenge and Naruhura Joel, a resident of Namawojolo also appeared before Magistrate Mangeni to answer charges of Tampering with electrical installations, contrary to Section 81 (1) of the Electricity Act; and Theft, contrary to Section 254 (1) and 261 of the Penal Code Act.

The Magistrate issued an arrest warrant for Niwenshaba Apollo who jumped bail and did not appear before Court.

In a similar development, ERA prosecuted Oryema Richard for forging Academic Documents which he submitted to ERA to be issued with an Installation Permit. Oryema’s case was adjourned to 4^th March 2020, for a ruling on a “Case to Answer” and “Bail Application”.

The rest of the cases were adjourned to 4^th, 5^th and 31^st March respectively for further hearing.  According to the Electricity Regulatory Authority Prosecutor, Ms. Kyohairwe Charlotte, evidence will be produced in court against the accused persons.