30 arrested for leading strike in Jinja city

Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Police in Jinja city are holding 30 youths for leading a strike and vandalizing vehicles in Namulesa cell in Northern city division. Key suspects in detection at Jinja Central Police Station are Ezra Kube, Alex Lubaale, Tadeo Mugerwa and Abbey Waiswa.

They are accused of vandalizing six vehicles registration numbers UAK 952X, UAM 795S, UAV 349L, UAT 400H, UAW 423D and UAM 652C on Tuesday while protesting an operation by power distributor Umeme targeting illegal power connections within their area. They lit old car tyres and dumped them in the middle of Jinja-Kamuli highway hence blocking traffic.

They also pelted security personnel and Umeme staff with stones. The situation prompted police to retaliate by dispersing the angry protestors with teargas. Joel Wambedde, a resident of Namulesa cell says that most residents were angered after noticing that some of the masterminds of illegal power connections in their area were the ones leading Umeme operations.

Kiira Regional police spokesperson James Mubi says that the suspects face two counts of vandalism and inciting violence. He says that the suspects will appear in the courts of law. “Police strongly cautions members of the general public to avoid power theft because it’s criminal, causes accidental deaths due to poor wiring among other dangers,” he says.

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