MUKONO, Uganda — A man suspected to be a vandal died on Wednesday, November 19, when a high-voltage electricity transmission pylon collapsed in Nakapinyi Village, Nama Sub-County in Mukono district.
Authorities believe the unidentified man was trapped and killed while actively attempting to cut the tower structure.
Preliminary investigations indicate the deceased was part of a group targeting a high-voltage power transmission tower linked to the Namawojolo sub-station.
Kampala Metropolitan Police reported that the man became trapped in the angle bars of the pylon and died at the scene.
The act of vandalism also caused damage to a second power tower located approximately half a kilometre away.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer for the Kampala Metropolitan Police, confirmed the initial findings, noting the victim’s identity is crucial to the ongoing investigation.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the deceased was part of a group cutting the high-voltage tower structure (pyron). Identifying him will help us pursue the other suspects involved,” said ASP Luke Owoyesigyire.
A joint investigative team comprising personnel from the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) and police officers has examined the scene, collected statements from local residents, and documented evidence.
“UETCL informs the general public that some towers have collapsed on the 132kV Owen Falls – Mukono North and Mukono North – Namanve South Transmission Lines due to vandalism interrupting supply to the Mukono North substation.
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The incident occurred this morning at 03:02 hours, one fatality has so far been reported and the Uganda Police has commenced investigations into the matter. Our technical team has been dispatched to assess the damage and restore supply in the shortest time possible.
UETCL urges the general public to be vigilant and report suspected vandals to the nearest police station. Vandalism not only interrupts power supply but also a danger to human life,” UETCL said in a statement.
Police are currently focused on safely retrieving the body for a post-mortem examination while simultaneously working to identify and apprehend the remaining culprits.
Authorities issued a stern warning to the public against tampering with electrical infrastructure, emphasizing that such acts are highly dangerous and illegal.
They pledged rigorous prosecution against all individuals found to be involved in the destruction of public assets.
