- SAYS THEY SHOULD BE READY TO PAY A FINE OF SHS1BN, FACE 15YRS IN JAIL OR BOTH
By Juma Nsubuga
State minister for Energy Opolot Okaasai has warned electricity infrastructure vandals to immediately stop this habit or face harsh decisions from government.
“Government has reviewed the law on electricity and anybody caught tampering with electricity infrastructure commits an offense of terrorism against government and is charged with a fine of one billion shillings or face imprisonment for 15years or both” the angry minister noted.
Okaasai issued this warning while commissioning two power lines in Wabitosi village in Nkandwa Sub-county and Nakasengere village in Nakasozi Sub-county both in Kiboga district.
He further urged the locals to use this electricity to transform their lives and asked them to generously guard this infrastructure to avoid being vandalized. “You should report whoever tries to tamper with electricity infrastructure and face courts of law” he advised.
He added that under the country’s vision 2040, government plans to transform the country from predominantly low income to competitive upper middle income.
“Electricity is vital for economic development that’s why Uganda government has promised it in its development plan” he added
Meanwhile Kiboga RDC, Mariam Nalubega Sseguya, commended Uganda government for transforming people’s lives by taking power to the locals.
“This power commissioning comes with so many opportunities to the people of these Sub-counties especially the youths because jobs will be created through industrialization among others”she noted.
The Rural electricity project is a partnership project between Uganda government and China EXIM Bank to ensure that many parts of the country are connected to the national grid.
The project has been under implementation in 91 districts.
