Truck driver to stand trial over stolen electricity equipment
Aheebwa now faces two counts related to interference with electricity wires and will have the opportunity to defend himself in court when the trial resumes on April 10, 2025.
Daniel Aheebwa in the dock at the Utilities court in Makindye on Friday (April 05) where he was put on his defence over electricity meters. (Photos by Margret Zalwango)
Margret Zalwango
Journalist @New Vision
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Daniel Aheebwa, a 28-year-old resident of Kasubi in Lubaga Division, Kampala, is set to stand trial after being accused of stealing electricity equipment.
He appeared before the Standards, Utilities, and Wildlife Court in Makindye, where Magistrate Godfrey Akena determined that the evidence presented by five prosecution witnesses was sufficient for the case to proceed.
Aheebwa now faces two counts related to interference with electricity wires and will have the opportunity to defend himself in court when the trial resumes on April 10, 2025.
“The court looks at the evidence and finds that it holds some weight. You will be required to defend yourself, but this does not mean you are guilty,” the magistrate told Aheebwa.
Aheebwa was informed of three types of defence: to remain silent, to take an oath, or to defend himself without taking an oath. He was told that he is free to bring witnesses in his defence.
Aheebwa, on April 3, 2025, chose to take an oath while defending himself. However, Henry Tumusiime for the state informed the court that he was not ready and requested an adjournment.
Aheebwa is facing two counts of interference with electricity wires, contrary to Section 85A(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2022.
Prosecution alleges that on August 19, 2024, at Mende-Kabaabbi in Wakiso district, Aheebwa and others, still at large, cut, removed, and took away electricity materials, specifically a bundle of approximately 140 ABC cable wires, without the authorisation or licence from the owner, Umeme.
It is further alleged that Aheebwa and others, on the same day at Mende Kitooke in Wakiso district, cut, removed, and took away electricity materials, specifically a bundle of approximately 220 metres of ABC cable, without the authorisation of Umeme, the owners.
He pleaded not guilty, and thus the case will proceed to a hearing.
Four remanded for Mabira encroachment
Later on Thursday, in the same court in Makindye, Magistrate Godfrey Akena remanded four men alleged to have cultivated crops in Mabira Central Forest Reserve without authorisation.
From Left: Fred Wanyama, Bogerem Kiiza and Musisi Bogere at the back in the dock at Makindye standards and utilities court in Makindye where they were charged with cultivating in a forest reserve.
The accused are Fred Wanyama, 21, Musisi Bogere, 28, Lino Kiiza, 28, and Steven Bogere — all peasants and residents of Nagojje village in Mukono district.
Akena read them the charges, which they all denied. The magistrate encouraged the accused to consider engaging with the prosecution and agreeing to the charges, rather than wasting the court’s time if they knew they had committed the offences.
However, he clarified that it was entirely their choice and that they would not be forced to plead guilty.
Prosecution, led by Gloria Blick Akumu, told the court that the accused had been involved in prohibited activities — specifically, planting or cultivating crops — contrary to Section 31(1)(b)(iv) and (2) of the National Forest and Tree Planting Act, 2003.
It is alleged that on March 24, 2025, the accused were found clearing land and cultivating sugarcane in Mabira Central Forest Reserve in Nagojje subcounty, Mukono district, without lawful authority.
The four were remanded until April 15, 2025, when the case will return to court for mention.