The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has sounded the alarm on the growing menace of vandalism targeting critical telecom infrastructure across the country.
In collaboration with leading telecom operators MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, and ATC Uganda Office, the UCC has launched a nationwide anti-vandalism campaign, ‘TOKIGEZA’(Don’t do it), to combat this scourge.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘TOKIGEZA’ campaign during a function held in Kampala, Mr. Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of UCC, said that telecom infrastructure is no longer a convenience, but is the backbone of our national development, powering education, finance, health, and security.
“When a tower is vandalised, it is not just a pole brought down, it is the disruption of livelihoods, access to emergency services, and economic opportunity,” Nyombi said. ‘TOKIGEZA’ is our united front to stop this trend in its tracks,” he added.
Devastating Impact of Vandalism
Nyombi noted that vandalism has become a significant threat to Uganda’s telecom sector, with devastating consequences for service providers and their customers.
He revealed that, according to information gathered by the UCC, between 2022 and 2024, telecom operators recorded:
Over 820 incidents of cable vandalism, 283 cases of fuel theft, 90 battery thefts and multiple site disruptions.
He explained that these acts of vandalism have caused major outages, some lasting over 134 hours, impacting entire districts, including Sheema, Kaliro, and Masaka. The consequences are far-reaching because of:
Disruption of essential communication services
Vandalism cripples the ability of telecom operators to provide reliable services, affecting millions of Ugandans who rely on these services for daily communication, commerce, and access to vital information.
Economic Losses
Telecom operators suffer significant financial losses due to vandalism, which can lead to increased costs for customers and decreased investment in the sector.
Reputation Damage
Repeated outages and service disruptions can damage the reputation of telecom operators, eroding customer trust and loyalty.
Need for Collective Action
The UCC’s anti-vandalism campaign, ‘TOKIGEZA’ is a timely response to the growing threat of vandalism. By joining forces with telecom operators, the UCC aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of vandalism and promote a culture of responsibility among Ugandans.
Vandalism is indeed a serious threat to Uganda’s telecom sector, with far-reaching consequences for service providers and their customers.
The UCC’s ‘TOKIGEZA’ campaign is a crucial step towards addressing this menace. By working together, we can protect critical telecom infrastructure, ensure reliable services, and promote economic growth and development.