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Theft

Uganda Launches Nationwide Anti-Vandalism Campaign to Safeguard Telecom Infrastructure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and telecom operators, MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda, have joined forces to combat vandalism targeting telecom infrastructure in the country. The nationwide campaign, called Tokigeza (meaning "Don't do it" in Luganda), follows a commitment from President Museveni to tackle the issue. According to reports, telecom operators have experienced over 820 incidents of cable theft, 283 cases of fuel theft, and 90 battery thefts between 2022 and 2024, resulting in multiple network disruptions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Tokigeza campaign aims to safeguard Uganda's telecom infrastructure from vandalism, with a focus on cable theft, fuel theft, and battery theft.
  • Between 2022 and 2024, telecom operators reported over 820 incidents of cable theft, 283 cases of fuel theft, and 90 battery thefts, resulting in multiple network disruptions.
  • President Museveni has pledged to support the designation of telecom towers as Critical National Infrastructure, allowing for tougher penalties and enhanced enforcement.
  • The campaign supports strategic interventions such as regulation of the scrap metal industry, formation of a multi-agency taskforce, and integration of tower security with police CCTV surveillance systems.
  • MTN Uganda is working closely with UCC, government agencies, landlords, boda boda riders, and local leaders to create a united front against vandalism.
  • South Africa's Vodacom has also instituted a community-based model to secure towers against battery theft.

Statistics:

  • 820 incidents of cable theft reported by telecom operators between 2022 and 2024.
  • 283 cases of fuel theft reported by telecom operators between 2022 and 2024.
  • 90 battery thefts reported by telecom operators between 2022 and 2024.
  • Over 820 incidents of vandalism disruption to telecom services in Uganda between 2022 and 2024.
  • President Museveni has pledged to support the designation of telecom towers as Critical National Infrastructure.

Sources:

  • Voice of Uganda news service
  • Global Data Point

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