The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested 11 people, including two Ugandan nationals, for their involvement in a cable theft operation linked to intermittent power outages in Rwanda. The suspects, presented to the media on Tuesday, November 3, were part of an organised network that stole, transported, and sold copper power cables. The two Ugandan nationals, Nuwagaba Isaac and Mugisha Fred, are accused of buying stolen cables and arranging their sale outside Rwanda.
According to RIB spokesperson Dr. Thierry Murangira B., the suspects operated a sophisticated network with different members playing specific roles. Some members stole the cables from electricity infrastructure, while others bought, transported, and prepared them for resale. The network also included motorcycle taxi operators and drivers who helped move the stolen materials. One of the Ugandan suspects was described as a key trader who would take the stolen cables across the border for sale in other countries.
During the operation, investigators recovered approximately 1.5 tonnes of copper electricity cables valued at about Rwf20 million. The cables were allegedly stolen from several districts, including Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, Kamonyi, and Bugesera. Authorities link the group’s activities to repeated power interruptions recently experienced in different parts of Rwanda, following the theft and destruction of electricity infrastructure.
The arrests were made in different locations, mainly in Kigali and neighbouring districts. The 11 suspects face three charges: forming or participating in a criminal gang, theft, and destruction of infrastructure. Under Rwanda’s criminal law, stealing electricity cables carries a potential prison sentence of between three and five years.
RIB said the case files had been forwarded to the Prosecution for further legal proceedings. The suspects are being held at RIB detention facilities in Nyarugenge and Kicukiro. The investigation comes amid concerns over the damage and theft of critical public infrastructure, which can disrupt essential services and impose additional costs on electricity distribution and maintenance.
The Rwanda National Police and RIB conducted joint operations to apprehend the suspects. The police and RIB have been working together to crack down on crimes related to the theft and destruction of public infrastructure. The authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the theft of electricity cables.
The theft of electricity cables has become a significant concern in Rwanda, with the country experiencing repeated power outages in recent times. The authorities have taken steps to address the issue, including increasing security measures around electricity infrastructure and cracking down on those involved in the theft and sale of stolen cables.
Key points
- Two Ugandan nationals were among the 11 suspects arrested for cable theft in Rwanda.
- The suspects stole over 1.5 tonnes of copper electricity cables valued at Rwf20 million.
- The theft of electricity cables has led to repeated power interruptions in different parts of Rwanda.
