The International Crimes Division of Uganda's High Court has sentenced Muwonge Ibrah, alias Kimbowa Ibrah, to 10 years in prison for his role in a series of terror attacks that disrupted power, water, and other essential services. Muwonge pleaded guilty to two counts of terrorism and one count of terrorism financing. The offences were committed during a series of attacks on electricity transmission infrastructure between November and December 2022.
The attacks targeted several major transmission lines, resulting in the destruction of 14 high-voltage electricity pylons and poles. The destruction triggered widespread power outages and disrupted several essential sectors of the economy, including water supply, health facilities, industries, communications, financial services, and education. The attacks also resulted in significant economic losses and forced the Government to deploy an emergency thermal power plant at Namanve to maintain electricity supply to the Kampala metropolitan area.
Investigations linked Muwonge to a group identified as the Uganda Defence Forces (UDF), which investigators said was associated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Prosecutors alleged that Muwonge used a WhatsApp group to recruit and mobilise youths and coordinate activities targeting electricity infrastructure. He was also accused of financing the operations by providing money for equipment, transport, and payments to individuals involved in destroying the power installations.
Evidence recovered from mobile phones, including photographs, videos, audio recordings, and messages, was presented in court as part of the evidence linking Muwonge to the planning, financing, and execution of the attacks. After the prosecution had presented evidence from about eight witnesses, Muwonge opted to enter a plea bargain. The prosecution was led by Chief State Attorney Jacquelyn Okui.
In determining the sentence, Justice Dr Andrew Bashaija considered the seriousness and premeditated nature of the offences, Muwonge's alleged role in coordinating the attacks, and the involvement of a group. The court also considered the damage caused to critical national infrastructure, the resulting economic losses, and the need to deter similar acts of sabotage.
However, the judge also took into account Muwonge's guilty plea, his expression of remorse, his responsibilities as a father and breadwinner, and the fact that no person was killed during the attacks. Muwonge was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment for terrorism and five years for terrorism financing, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. He will therefore serve an effective 10-year prison sentence.
The sentence underscores the serious consequences of attacks targeting critical national infrastructure, particularly electricity installations whose destruction can disrupt essential services and cause significant economic losses. The case highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between security agencies to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism and sabotage.
Key points
- Muwonge Ibrah was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in terror attacks that disrupted power, water, and other essential services in Uganda.
- The attacks resulted in significant economic losses and widespread power outages, affecting several essential sectors of the economy.
- The sentence was handed down by Justice Dr Andrew Bashaija, who considered both aggravating and mitigating factors in determining the sentence.
