The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Tension was high in the city center on Monday afternoon during a joint operation by the Field Force Police –FFP, Crime Intelligence –CI and Criminal Investigations Directorate –CID against scrap dealers suspected of selling stolen copper wires from electrical installations and masts.
Dressed in blue camouflage, FFP raided shops at Shamba Complex, Kisenyi, Owino Complex, New Park Mall, Nakitende Village, Usafi Market, Mwanga II Road, Musajja Alumbwa and Muzaana Road. The operation led to the arrest of 30 scrap dealers found selling suspected stolen copper wires.
Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, says the operation was prompted by the increasing cases of vandalism from Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited –UETCL, Uganda Telecomm Company –UTL, National Water and Sewage Cooperation –NWSC, Uganda National Roads Authority –UNRA and contractors at Karuma hydro-power dam.
He said they targeted particular areas based on intelligence indicating that they harbor people involved in the vandalism.
Police have promised to screen the suspects, saying those without clear documents for the merchandise recovered from their premises will be taken to courts of law.
Police believes arresting the dealers will disorganize the cartel behind the vandalism since there will be no substantive market for the stolen materials. Some of the suspects, according to UETCL siphon fuel from transformers at substations thus making people spend hours without power.
This operation comes a fortnight after Uganda People’s Defense Force –UPDF, Military Police, CI, CID and FFU conducted an operation targeting dealers of suspected stolen motorcycles, motor vehicles and phones. At least 350 people were arrested.
However, only 208 remained after screening. More than 140 motorcycles, 2500 phones and were confiscated from dealers, some of whom have already appeared in court.
******
URN
