A video that has been making rounds on social media has led to the arrest of Briton Sythn Kasule, a resident of Busega in Kampala, after he was captured issuing a warning about illegal power reconnections despite being previously disconnected.
The video, widely circulated among Ugandan social media platforms, shows Kasule openly discussing how he had reconnected his electricity supply after it was disconnected by the authorities. This public display and admission caught the attention of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) and other stakeholders in the energy sector.
According to Ibrahim Kasita, the Principal Stakeholder Engagement Officer at ERA, the arrest was a joint operation between ERA, other energy sector players, and the Uganda Police Force.
“Working with other stakeholders in the energy sector and the police, we arrested Kasule, a resident of Busega in Kampala,” Kasita said in a statement to the press. “The suspect faces charges related to tampering with electricity infrastructure. He is currently under detention, and interrogation continues before he is arraigned in courts of law.”
Tampering with or illegally reconnecting power is a criminal offense under Uganda’s Electricity Act. It not only leads to revenue losses but also poses a serious safety risk to the public.
ERA has reiterated its warning to the public against illegal electricity connections and interference with power infrastructure. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of electricity supply, and we will continue to work with security agencies to take decisive action against offenders,” Kasita added.
Kasule’s case has reignited discussions about power theft in urban areas, especially informal settlements, where illegal reconnections remain a challenge for electricity providers.
The Electricity Regulatory Authority urges all Ugandans to report suspicious activities related to electricity tampering and reminds the public that legal alternatives and customer service options are available for those experiencing issues with their power supply.
