Police in the Wamala region have arrested one suspect following an incident of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure in Butayunja Subcounty, Mityana District. The incident occurred on 21/06/2026 in Nawangiri village, where residents reportedly caught two individuals in the act of cutting electricity wires supplying power to the area.
According to reports, the suspects were intercepted by alert residents who noticed unusual activity on the power lines. One of the suspects, who was reportedly working on top of a pole cutting the wires, was surrounded and arrested by the angry crowd. The second suspect managed to flee the scene and is currently being sought by authorities.
Police say the arrested suspect was later rescued from a mob by officers from Butayunja Police Station, led by No. 48394 Sgt Opio, who responded quickly after receiving information about the incident. Authorities also recovered several exhibits from the scene, including cut electric wires of unknown length, a red Bajaj motorcycle registration number UMA 413 DC, and a black tool bag containing items such as a hammer, scissors, spanners, and axle blades. An overall garment believed to belong to the suspects was also recovered.
Security officials have praised the residents of Nawangiri village for their vigilance and quick action in alerting authorities, which led to the arrest. However, police have strongly cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands, urging communities to avoid mob justice even when suspects are caught committing crimes.
The police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to arrest the second suspect who fled the scene. The identity of the suspect currently in custody has not been disclosed as investigations continue.
Authorities have further urged residents in Mityana and the wider Wamala region to remain alert and report any suspicious activities targeting electricity infrastructure, which they say is critical for development and public service delivery.
