The International Crimes Division of the High Court has sentenced Muwonge Ibrah alias Kimbowa Ibrah to 10 years in prison for terrorism offences connected to the destruction of electricity infrastructure in central Uganda.
Muwonge was sentenced by Justice Dr Andrew Bashaija after entering a plea bargain in which he admitted two counts of terrorism and one count of terrorism financing.
The offences relate to a series of attacks carried out between November and December 2022, during which 14 high-voltage electricity pylons and poles were cut or destroyed.
The affected transmission lines included Owen Falls–Lugogo, Bujagali–Kawanda, Owen Falls–Namanve and Kawanda–Kapeka.
According to the prosecution, the attacks resulted in widespread power outages and interrupted the provision of critical services across several sectors.
Chief State Attorney Jacquelyn Okui told court that water supply, health services, industries, communications, financial institutions and schools were among those affected.
The disruption also caused substantial economic losses and led to the deployment of an emergency thermal power plant at Namanve to supplement electricity supplied to the Kampala metropolitan area.
Investigators linked Muwonge to a subversive group called the Uganda Defence Forces (UDF), which they said was associated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Court heard that Muwonge used a WhatsApp group to recruit youths and coordinate activities targeting electricity installations.
He was further accused of financing the operation by providing money for equipment, transport and payments to those involved in the vandalism.
Investigators recovered mobile phone evidence, including photographs, videos, audio recordings and communications, which prosecutors said established his involvement in planning, financing and carrying out the attacks.
The prosecution had called about eight witnesses when Muwonge chose to settle the case through a plea bargain.
While sentencing him, Justice Bashaija considered the seriousness and premeditated nature of the offences, the involvement of several people, Muwonge’s role in coordinating the activities and the extensive damage caused to critical national infrastructure.
The court also considered the need to deter attacks on infrastructure that supports essential public services and economic activity.
However, Muwonge’s guilty plea and remorse were taken into account, alongside his responsibilities as a father and breadwinner.
The court also noted that the offences did not result in loss of life.
Muwonge was sentenced to 10 years for terrorism and five years for terrorism financing, with both sentences running concurrently.
He will therefore serve an effective 10-year prison term.
