In recent months, the theft of water meters has become a growing concern for NWSC, as the market value of copper has risen. In response, the Corporation has intensified its investigations in an effort to put an end to this illegal activity.
On January 12th, 2023, the security team, led by Mr. Elly Muhumuza, made a significant breakthrough in their efforts to combat meter vandalism when they arrested Mr. Abubakar Kateregga for allegedly vandalizing water meters and disrupting the water supply in Kabowa Rubaga Division.
Upon arrest, Mr. Kateregga was found in possession of five NWSC water meters with the following serial numbers: NWSC-21-015-021029, NWSC-15014840, NWSC-18-002463, NWSC-19-041481, and NWSC-21-2R015-0025. These meters had been disassembled and were believed to have been stolen.
On January 27th, 2023, Mr. Kateregga appeared before Her Worship Sanula Nambozo at the Buganda Road utility court, where he was sentenced to 12 months in prison on count one for tampering with works, in violation of sections 100(1)(b) and 104(1) of the Water Act Cap 152. He was also sentenced to an additional 12 months on count two, for theft of meters, in violation of sections 254(1) and 261 of the Penal Code Act Cap 120.
The legal department of NWSC, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Bongomin, stated that actions such as these have a negative impact on the relationship between the Corporation and its customers, as well as on revenue collection. The legal team is committed to clamping down on any illegal activity that causes the Corporation to lose money.
The recent arrest and conviction of Mr. Abubakar Kateregga serves as a reminder that NWSC takes the issue of meter theft very seriously, and will continue to take all necessary measures to protect the interests of its customers and ensure the continuity of water supply.
