*ODPP SECURES FIRST-EVER TERRORISM CONVICTION ARISING FROM VANDALISM OF ELECTRICITY INFRASTRUCTURE* The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has secured a first-of-its-kind conviction in a terrorism case arising from the deliberate vandalism and destruction of electricity transmission infrastructure, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence for terrorism. Today, 6 October 2026, the International Crimes Division of the High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Dr. Andrew Bashaija, convicted Muwonge Ibrah alias Kimbowa Ibrah on two counts of terrorism and one count of terrorism financing under a plea bargain arrangement. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for terrorism and 5 years for terrorism financing, to run concurrently. The case arose from a coordinated campaign to destroy electricity transmission infrastructure in parts of Central Uganda between November and December 2022. Fourteen high-voltage electricity pylons and poles forming part of the Owen Falls–Lugogo, Bujagali–Kawanda, Owen Falls–Namanve, and Kawanda–Kapeka transmission lines were cut or destroyed. The attacks caused widespread power outages and disrupted essential services, including water supply, health services, industry, communications, financial services, and education, resulting in significant economic losses and necessitating the deployment of an expensive emergency thermal power plant at Namanve to supplement the electricity supply to the Kampala Metropolitan Area. Investigations established that Muwonge Ibrah alias Kimbowa Ibrah was a leader of a subversive group known as the Uganda Defence Forces (UDF), which investigations linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). He used a WhatsApp group to mobilise and recruit youths and coordinated the destruction of electricity infrastructure as part of the group’s objectives to sabotage Government programmes, disrupt economic and social activities, and ultimately facilitate the overthrow of Government. Muwonge financed and facilitated the acts by providing money for the purchase of implements, transportation, and payment of those who carried out the vandalism. Mobile phone evidence, including photographs, videos, audio recordings, and communications, further linked him to the planning, financing, and execution of the attacks. About eight prosecution witnesses had testified before Muwonge opted for a plea bargain. The Court considered the grave and premeditated nature of the offences, the involvement of a gang, Muwonge’s role as a mastermind, the extensive damage to critical national infrastructure and loss, and the need for deterrence. The Court also considered his guilty plea, remorse, status as a father and breadwinner, and the fact that the offences did not result in loss of life. The case was prosecuted by Ms. Jacquelyn Okui, Chief State Attorney, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This landmark conviction underscores the seriousness with which Uganda treats attacks on critical national infrastructure and demonstrates the ODPP’s commitment to holding accountable those who finance, facilitate, or participate in acts of terrorism that threaten national security, essential services, and the country’s economic stability.

*ODPP AND CID STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION FOR EFFECTIVE JUSTICE DELIVERY* The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) today held a coordination meeting with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) at Mbale Resort Hotel under the theme, “Fostering Collaboration for Responsive and Effective Investigation and Prosecution Services.” The engagement brought together prosecutors and investigators from Mbale and Tororo Regions to strengthen coordination, address challenges and improve the delivery of criminal justice. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Lino Anguzu, emphasized the need for more effective and efficient criminal investigations and prosecutions. He called on investigators and prosecutors to work collaboratively to manage and resolve challenges within the criminal justice system in a timely manner. The DPP cautioned the officers against corruption and urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the execution of their duties. He also cautioned against the premature detention of suspects, noting that unnecessary or prolonged detention places undue pressure on, and burdens, the criminal justice system. Mr. Odumbi James Owere, Deputy DPP/International Affairs and Prosecutions, underscored the need for prosecution-guided investigations to ensure that cases are supported by sufficient evidence. He cautioned against unnecessary arrests and prolonged detention where evidence does not support allegations. He further emphasised the importance of accurate and comprehensive case records, active follow-up of capital cases, witnesses, and continued engagement with communities. He urged prosecutors and investigators to reject corruption, noting that taking bribes from members of the public undermines public trust and the administration of justice. He called for greater accountability and a shared commitment to justice and national development. Mr. Semwogerere Robert Mugarura, representing the Permanent Secretary, ODPP, commended the Police for their continued cooperation with the ODPP and stressed accountability, proper reporting, transparency and responsible utilisation of public resources. SSP Ntwala Peter, representing the Regional Police Commander Elgon, highlighted the importance of teamwork, information sharing and professional collaboration between investigators and prosecutors. He emphasised that effective justice delivery also requires officers to be compassionate, accessible and responsive, ensuring that people who seek justice are treated with dignity. SSP Monday Johnson Agaba, Regional CID Officer Elgon, commended efforts to strengthen collaboration between CID and the ODPP. He noted that a lasting solution to the challenge of summoning witnesses was being developed. Detective SP Nyiransinga Constance, Acting Regional CID Officer, Bukedi South, appreciated the ODPP for organising the stakeholder engagement and emphasised the need for continued coordination between the Police and ODPP, noting that both institutions work hand in hand in the administration of justice. Ms. Rose Tumuheise, Regional Officer, Mbale Region, highlighted challenges affecting case management, including serving witness summons, delayed investigations and missing case files. Ms. Harriet Angom, Regional Officer, Tororo Region, highlighted staffing challenges, particularly the shortage of State Attorneys at various stations. The meeting featured a plenary session in which prosecutors and investigators shared experiences, challenges and practical solutions for improving the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. The discussions provided an opportunity to identify areas requiring stronger coordination, communication and follow-up. The engagement concluded with a tree-planting ceremony, symbolising the participants’ shared commitment to environmental responsibility, sustainable development and collective action beyond their core institutional mandates.