By Mulengera Reporters
The Standards and Wildlife Utility Court at Makindye has sentenced 17-year-old (names withheld) to 16 weeks at Kampiringisa National Rehabilitation Centre after he pleaded guilty to tampering with water infrastructure belonging to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and theft of a water meter.
The juvenile, a casual worker and resident of Mbuya Kinawataka in Nakawa Division, appeared before His Worship Geoffrey Akena, Magistrate Grade One, on Thursday afternoon.
The Charges: He was charged with tampering with works contrary to the Water Act and theft contrary to the Penal Code Act. Court heard that on 10th June 2025, he unlawfully damaged and opened a water pipe owned by NWSC without authority. He was also implicated in the earlier theft of a water meter at Mbuya Hill in April 2025, valued at UGX 101,000.
Although arrested shortly after the June incident, the juvenile later escaped from lawful custody. He was re-arrested and produced in court, where he admitted to the charges.
The Sentencing: In delivering the ruling, His Worship Akena balanced the seriousness of the offences with the fact that the accused is a juvenile. He noted that the escape from custody was an aggravating factor that justified a custodial sentence.
“The purpose of this sentence is rehabilitative but it must also reflect the seriousness of tampering with public utilities,” Magistrate Akena said. “The accused will serve 16 weeks at Kampiringisa National Rehabilitation Centre, where he will receive counselling and vocational training to help him reform and become a productive member of society.”
NWSC’s Role in the Case: The case was closely followed by NWSC, which was represented by Counsel Brownie Ebal and Bongomin Emmanuel on a watching brief, together with Elly Muhumza from the Corporation’s Security Department. NWSC had also furnished one witness prepared to place the accused at the scene of the crime.
Speaking outside Court premises after the sentencing, Ms. Brownie Ebal welcomed the ruling as an important step in the fight against vandalism of public utilities.
“This is not just a win for NWSC but for all Ugandans who depend on safe and reliable water supply,” Ebal said. “Vandalism of our infrastructure directly affects service delivery, and it is encouraging to see the courts taking these matters seriously.”
She added that the Corporation remains committed to pursuing offenders and working with communities to safeguard critical infrastructure.
“We hope this ruling sends a clear message that tampering with water works is a serious offence with consequences. At the same time, we are encouraged that the court chose a rehabilitative sentence that gives the juvenile a chance to reform and redirect his life.”
Wider Implications:
Vandalism and theft of NWSC infrastructure (including pipes, valves, and water meters) remain a persistent challenge that undermines service delivery, causes water loss while imposing financial costs on the Corporation.
Legal analysts note that the latest ruling by Magistrate Akena underscores the specialized court’s willingness to treat such cases seriously, even when juveniles are involved, while still ensuring rehabilitative justice.
The case also highlights the delicate balance between protecting vital public utilities and offering young offenders an opportunity to reform. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
