On 18th July 2023, the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court (the Electricity Court) convicted and sentenced Atwine James, a resident of Kyengera in Wakiso District, for tampering with electrical installations, contrary to Section 81 (1) of the Electricity Act and theft, contrary to the Penal Code Act.

On 3rd April 2022, Atwine James was arrested while transporting electric wires, a property of the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited, that had been vandalized from Bwizibwera Parish in Mbarara District.

The Magistrate, Her Worship Kyoshabire Caroline, convicted Atwine on both counts and sentenced him to Four (4) years imprisonment on count one and Four (4) years on count 11. While sentencing Atwine, her Worship noted that it was necessary to give a custodial sentence to Atwine to stop the chain of vandalism that has continued to escalate in the country.

The ERA Prosecutor and Principal Legal Officer Enforcement, Kyohairwe Charlotte, informed the court that vandalism cases were increasing in the country and that Atwine deserved a deterrent sentence to enable the other culprits to stop vandalism.

She further informed the court that the cost of the vandalized materials Atwine was transporting is up to 400 million Ugandan Shillings, which money is included in the tariff and paid by the electricity consumer.

Kyohairwe urged the public to stay away from the Vandalism vice completely.