In a landmark ruling that underscores the growing threat of infrastructure vandalism, the Standards, Utilities, and Wildlife Court in Makindye has sentenced a 29-year-old electrician to six years in prison for his role in stealing and tampering with telecommunications equipment. Disan Ssekalevu, a resident of Ntooke village in Kayunga district, was convicted alongside Edrick Miravumba, a 23-year-old scrap dealer from Kisenyi, a Kampala suburb. Both men pleaded guilty to charges of removing and tampering with telecommunication installations, theft, and possession of stolen property.
Details of the Offence
The court heard that on June 6, 2026, in Village Nine, Ntinda, Nakawa Division, Kampala, the duo tampered with a telecommunications mast at Ntinda Primary School by stealing a Universal Base Band Processing unit. Ssekalevu faced additional charges for stealing two Universal Base Band Processing Boards belonging to MTN Uganda Limited, valued at $19,682 (approximately sh70 million). Prosecutors also revealed that in June 2026, Ssekalevu and others still at large received eight Universal Base Band Processing Boards owned by Airtel and MTN, knowing or having reason to believe they were unlawfully obtained.
Court's Strong Message
Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu, while delivering the sentence, emphasized that such offences are rampant and pose a significant threat to national security. She concurred with State Prosecutor Kevin Bakulumpagi of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), who argued that vandalism and theft of telecom masts cause far-reaching consequences, including communication blackouts, disrupted transactions, adverse effects on health and education, and substantial financial losses for telecom companies.
Kamasanyu noted that the cost of replacing stolen equipment falls on the companies, while the government loses revenue due to the resulting blackouts. She therefore stressed that offenders must be kept behind bars to deter others.
Habitual Offender
Ssekalevu was sentenced to six years on each of the two counts of tampering with telecommunications masts and theft, with the sentences to run concurrently. The magistrate described him as a habitual offender, noting that in 2025 he was convicted of similar offences but only paid a fine of sh3 million. Barely a year later, he resorted to the same crimes, which justified a harsher penalty.
Miravumba, the scrap dealer, received a three-year sentence. The court observed that buyers like him encourage vandalism by providing a market for stolen items, which often end up in spare parts shops in Kampala.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the growing concern over the theft of telecommunications infrastructure in Uganda. The UCC has repeatedly warned that such acts undermine the country's development by disrupting communication networks and causing financial losses. The court's decision sends a clear message that those who engage in this illegal trade will face severe consequences.
As the country continues to expand its digital infrastructure, the protection of these assets is crucial for economic growth and national security. The ruling serves as a warning to potential offenders and a reassurance to telecom operators that the justice system is committed to safeguarding their investments.
