Katakwi, Uganda | Independent Ngariam County parliamentary candidate Daniel Mulalu has condemned what he calls a deliberate campaign of sabotage after two boda-boda riders were arrested for allegedly vandalising solar security lights he recently installed in Ajesais Parish, Getom Sub-county.
The lighting systems, part of a Ugx 285 million project covering 42 trading centres, were set up to enhance security, support night-time business activity, and curb theft across Ngariam County.
The suspects, identified as Solomon Adipa (22) of Otiakol Village and James Okiro (25) of Pailakol Village, were apprehended on Tuesday morning after residents reportedly found them with materials believed to have been removed from the solar installation.
Their arrest was executed by members of the Katakwi Boda-Boda Association, led by its chairperson Olupot Eria, working jointly with residents from Otiakol and Pailakol villages.
Mr Olupot said the boda-boda community would not shield riders who engage in acts that derail local development.
“We cannot tolerate individuals who undermine the safety and livelihoods of the very people they serve,” he said.
The LC1 Chairperson of Otiakol Village, Mr Joseph Aciiria, said persistent cases of vandalism had increasingly frustrated residents, prompting stronger community vigilance.
“These acts drag the community backwards and erode trust in leaders investing in our development,” he said.
In a twist that further stirred public outrage, the father of suspect James Okiro admitted that his son had a history of petty theft, insisting that the law should take its course regardless of family efforts to reconcile.
Mr Mulalu, who has been rolling out security lights across Ngariam, said the incident was disheartening given the scale of investment and community expectations.
“I invested Ugx 9 million in just six poles at Getom Corner and Ugx 285 million to light all 42 trading centres. It is painful to see such critical community infrastructure destroyed,” he said.
The candidate also expressed concern over the rising destruction of his campaign materials, revealing that more than half of the 3,500 posters he distributed across the county had been torn or defaced in recent weeks.
“This level of sabotage is unacceptable and only heightens tensions during an election period,” he noted.
Traders and residents in Getom, including Charles Oonyu, Joseph Ekwe, Rose Amoding, and Oliver Takali, described the vandalism as an attack on community progress.
“The lights had already made our trading centres safer and extended business hours. We cannot allow people to destroy what benefits everyone,” Ms Takali said.
Katakwi Resident District Commissioner and District Security Committee chairperson Mr Stephen Okure Ilemukorit warned political actors against actions that could instigate violence.
“We will not tolerate politically motivated criminality. Anyone involved in acts that threaten peace will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.
Police are expected to issue a formal update as investigations continue.
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