By Guest Writer
The Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court at Makindye has sentenced Ssendageya Lawrence to four years in prison after he was found guilty of theft of water meters and tampering with National Water and Sewerage Corporation works.
The judgment was delivered today, Wednesday 23rd September, 2026, by His Worship Akena Godfrey.
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation was represented by the Legal Team from Kampala Water and Security Officer, Mr. Muhumuza Elly.
Court heard that on 3rd August, 2026 at around 03:00 hours at Bunamwaya – Nfuufu Cell, Bunamwaya Division, Wakiso District, the convict willfully and without lawful authorization, damaged and opened a water pipe vested in NWSC and stole water meters, the property of the Corporation.
He was subsequently charged with five counts: Tampering with Works contrary to Section 97(1)(b) and 101(1) of the Water Act, Cap. 164; and Theft contrary to Section 237(1) and 244 of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 128.
The accused first appeared and took plea on 17th September, 2026. When the charges were read and explained to him, he pleaded guilty to all five counts.
Court, being satisfied that the plea was unequivocal, voluntary and made with full understanding of the consequences, convicted him on his own plea of guilty.
After considering the aggravating factors presented by the State and the convict’s mitigation, His Worship sentenced Ssendageya to four years imprisonment on each of the five counts. The sentences will run concurrently, effective from the date of remand.
The conviction and sentence underscore the Court’s firm commitment to deterring vandalism, theft and tampering with public utility infrastructure.
In a statement after the ruling, the NWSC Legal Department said it will continue to collaborate closely with the Security Department and other enforcement agencies to ensure that offenders are apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
