By Mulengera Reporters
A mother could not hold back her tears as she listened to prosecutors ask court to hand her son a maximum of 20 years in prison for vandalizing telecommunications installations and stealing equipment belonging to telecom operators.
The woman, who was later identified as the mother of Disan Ssekalevu, broke down during prosecution submissions before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court at Makindye, where her son appeared alongside another convict, Edrick Miravumba, for sentencing proceedings.
She began crying uncontrollably the moment prosecution started outlining its case and became increasingly emotional as the State moved to the sentencing recommendations, prompting the trial Magistrate Her Worship Gladys Kamasanyu to ask one of the relatives to comfort her.
A younger brown woman, later identified as Tracy Mukooza, who appeared to resemble the distressed mother, reached out to console her. Other young women in the courtroom were also seen silently shedding tears as the prosecution outlined the circumstances of the offences and the punishment it wanted court to impose.
The emotional scenes unfolded as Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) lawyer Nasim Kagawa urged court to impose a lengthy custodial sentence on Ssekalevu, describing him as a repeat offender who allegedly had continued vandalizing telecommunications infrastructure despite an earlier conviction.
Appearing for the State, Kagawa told court that Ssekalevu had pleaded guilty to two counts: removing and tampering with telecommunications installations, contrary to Section 84(1) of the Uganda Communications Act, and theft under Sections 237 and 244 of the Penal Code Act.
His co-accused, Miravumba, pleaded guilty to receiving or retaining stolen property, contrary to Section 294 of the Penal Code Act.
Kagawa argued that vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure was becoming rampant and had far-reaching consequences beyond the financial losses suffered by telecommunications companies.
He said the vice affected Airtel Uganda, MTN and American Tower Corporation, the complainant in the matter, while also inconveniencing communities that depend on such infrastructure for reliable communication networks.
According to the prosecution, vandalism disrupts communication services and affects people’s ability to conduct business, access health services, participate in education and engage in other essential activities.
The State told court that the stolen Universal Baseband Processing Boards were valued at US$19,681, with additional costs arising from replacing the equipment and repairing the damage.
Kagawa further argued that the offences deprived telecommunications operators of revenue from calls and SMS services and affected government revenue, describing the destruction of telecommunications infrastructure as a threat to national development.
In pressing for a maximum sentence, the UCC-based prosecutor cited Ssekalevu’s previous conviction in 2025 in a similar case involving the removal and damaging of telecommunications installations and criminal trespass.
Court was told that on March 4, 2025, Ssekalevu was convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of Shs3 million or serve three years in prison on the first count, alongside a nine-month sentence for criminal trespass.
The prosecution argued that he had returned to similar criminal activities after leaving prison, making him a habitual offender who required a lengthy custodial sentence in the hope of achieving the deterrent effect.
Kagawa also raised concerns about what he described as Ssekalevu’s changing of names in connection with previous criminal records, from Disan Ssekalevu to Disan Saava, and his alleged attempts to implicate staff of American Tower Corporation and TAMOSA without proof. All this point to fraudulent intent and absence of genuine remorse.
The prosecution consequently asked court to sentence Ssekalevu to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts, making a total of 20 years.
To further buttress the prosecution’s view in the same direction, Kagawa cited a previous decision of the same court in Uganda verses Quarish Ssegirinya, Case No. SUW-CR-10-089 of 2025, in which a 10-year sentence was imposed on a repeat offender convicted of similar offences.
For Miravumba, the prosecution sought a comparatively lighter sentence of one year in prison, arguing that it would be sufficient for his rehabilitation.
The court was also asked to release a blue Toyota RAV4, registration number UAQ 689M, which had been impounded during investigations.
Kagawa told court that the vehicle belonged to Tracy Mukooza, who had presented a logbook and vehicle sales agreement as evidence of ownership. The prosecution therefore asked court to order its release in the interest of justice.
Convicts ask court for forgiveness
After the prosecution concluded its submissions, Her Worship Kamasanyu invited the two convicts to respond to the proposed sentences.
Ssekalevu acknowledged his earlier admission of guilt and expressed remorse for committing the offences.
In an emotional appeal, he quoted Psalm 32:5, which speaks about acknowledging and confessing one’s sins rather than concealing wrongdoing.
He told court that he regretted his actions and promised not to engage in similar criminal activities again if forgiven.
In response, the trial Magistrate Kamasanyu pointed towards his mother, who was visibly distressed in the courtroom, and observed that his criminal conduct could ultimately cause her great pain.
Miravumba also asked court for forgiveness, maintaining that although he had bought the items from Ssekalevu, he did not know they had been stolen.
He appealed for leniency, telling court that he had a sick mother whom he was responsible for caring for at Kiyindi in Buikwe district.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to Friday, November 6, 2026 when the trial Magistrate will be proclaiming her sentencing. The two convicts remain awaiting the court’s decision on the appropriate punishment. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
