By Guest Writer
The Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court at Makindye has today sentenced Kawesi David to two years imprisonment and ordered him to pay a fine of UGX 500,000 following his conviction on charges of tampering with National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) works and theft of a water meter.
Kawesi was convicted on Thursday, 17th September 2026, after he appeared before His Worship Akena Godfrey in the case of Uganda Vs. Kawesi David, CRB No.190/2026. NWSC was represented in court by its legal team and security officer Elly Muhumuza.
Prosecution told court that on 5th July 2026, at Kiwumu-Kalambi Village, Wakiso District, the convict willfully and without lawful authorization broke, damaged and tampered with a water pipe vested in NWSC and stole one water meter, the property of the Corporation.
He faced two 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.
When the charges were read and explained to him, Kawesi pleaded guilty to both counts pursuant to a Plea Bargain Agreement entered into with the State. He admitted the facts as narrated by the State Prosecutor as true and correct. Court, being satisfied that the plea was unequivocal and voluntarily made, convicted him on his own plea of guilty.
In aggravation, the State submitted that offences against NWSC infrastructure are rampant, cause immense financial loss to the Corporation and disrupt water supply to customers, and prayed for a deterrent sentence.
In mitigation, the convict prayed for leniency, stating that he was a first-time offender and was remorseful.
In his ruling, His Worship Akena sentenced Kawesi to two years imprisonment on both counts, to run concurrently, and ordered him to pay a fine of UGX 500,000. The sentence takes effect from the date of remand.
The conviction underscores the court’s commitment to deterring vandalism and theft of public utility infrastructure. NWSC’s Legal Department says it will continue collaborating with the security team to ensure offenders are apprehended and prosecuted. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
