1. Home
  2. Stories
  3. Telecommunication
  4. Infrastructure

UCC, telecoms join forces to end wire theft

Peter 16th May, 2025 Telecommunication Business Edge Reporter
UCC, telecoms join forces to end wire theft

Nyombi Thembo, the UCC Executive Director (4R) poses with officials of MTN, Airtel and ATC and other key stakeholders at the official launch of the anti-vandalism campaign in Kampala.


The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has teamed up with MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, and ATC to launch a nationwide anti-vandalism campaign aimed at safeguarding the country’s critical telecom infrastructure including wires, cables and towers.

The campaign, dubbed ‘Tokigeza’, is a result of the National Telecom Stakeholder Forum on Vandalism held last year and aligns with a high-level commitment from President Yoweri Museveni, who pledged decisive action to tackle vandalism targeting telecom infrastructure.

Vandalism has increasingly threatened Uganda’s communication backbone, with telecom operators reporting over 820 incidents of cable theft, 283 cases of fuel theft, 90 battery thefts, and multiple network disruptions between 2022 and 2024. These acts have caused major service outages, with some lasting more than 134 hours, crippling services in key districts such as Sheema, Kaliro, and Masaka.

  • While launching the campaign today at the UCC head offices in Kampala, Nyombi Thembo, the UCC Executive Director, reinforced this commitment: “Telecom infrastructure is the backbone of our development. Vandalism disrupts lives, security, and opportunity. Tokigeza is our united front to stop this trend.”

Nicholas Beijuka, the General Manager of Capital Projects at MTN Uganda, emphasized the human impact of vandalising telecom infrastructure.

“As the largest telecom operator in Uganda, we’ve seen firsthand the pain caused by outages due to theft and vandalism. When a tower is vandalized, it’s not just equipment lost, it’s your child missing an online class, your loved one unable to reach help in an emergency, or your business losing revenue. Through the campaign, we are calling on every Ugandan to help protect what connects us all.”

  • The campaign comes on the heels of President Museveni’s pledge to support the designation of telecom towers as ‘Critical National Infrastructure’ (CNI), which would allow for tougher penalties, enhanced enforcement, and integration of telecom security with national surveillance systems.
UCC, telecoms join forces to end wire theft Nicholas Beijuka, the General Manager of Capital Projects at MTN Uganda, speaks at the event.

The President also backed legal reforms to categorize vandalism of telecom infrastructure as economic sabotage, signaling a new era of accountability.

MTN Uganda, alongside its industry peers, is investing in community sensitization, renewable energy, and network expansion—but these efforts are jeopardized by continued vandalism.

“We believe community partnerships are essential to securing our network,” added Beijuka.

“We are working closely with UCC, government agencies, landlords, boda boda riders, and local leaders to create a united front against this growing threat.”

  • Soumendra Sahu, the Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, expressed support for the call for comprehensive legislation and stronger policing.
  • Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, CEO of ATC Uganda, also expressed strong support for the campaign and emphasized the collective responsibility required to protect infrastructure:

“Our infrastructure plays a pivotal role in connecting millions of Ugandans to essential services—from mobile banking to emergency healthcare. Every time a tower is vandalized, communities are silenced, and progress is delayed.

ATC Uganda is fully committed to working with government, operators, and communities to ensure that no one is left behind because of criminal activity.

Members of the public are advised to report vandalism through the toll-free hotline 0800282662.

Similar Posts You May Like 

  • DIAMOND TRUST BANK (DTB) JOIN HANDS WITH MATERCARD TO DEEPEN FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN THE WEST NILE REGION

    DIAMOND TRUST BANK (DTB) JOIN HANDS WITH MATERCARD TO DEEPEN FINANCIAL INCLU..

    Diamond Trust Bank – DTB AND Mastercard have embarked on a drive to increase financial inclusion in the eleven Districts of the West Nile region. These districts include; Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, Zombo, Maracha, Nebbi, and Adjumani among others. The drive intends to increase the usage of formal bankin..

  • MTN Uganda unveils ICT lab at Kabale Preparatory School in Kabale District

    MTN Uganda unveils ICT lab at Kabale Preparatory School in Kabale District..

    Thursday 23 March 2023 - Kabale, Uganda: Kabale Preparatory School in Kabale District has benefited from a fully equipped computer lab as part of the MTN Uganda Foundation's efforts to boost information and communication technologies in schools and communities. The facility comes with 10 compu..

  • UKETA Launches Online Courses to Upskill Professionals and Empower Organizations Across East Africa

    UKETA Launches Online Courses to Upskill Professionals and Empower Organizat..

    In the latest demonstration of the potential and growth of online education, Simba Group has launched UKETA, an innovative online course platform designed for professionals. The platform is designed to provide a comprehensive and flexible learning experience, empowering professionals to acquire new..

  • Inside MTN Uganda's transition to a tech firm

    Inside MTN Uganda's transition to a tech firm..

    MTN Uganda, like most telecom companies around the world, has recorded rapid transformation in its operations, customer experience and development of various products and services aimed at responding to evolving consumer needs...

  • MTN Uganda Named Best in Africa

    MTN Uganda Named Best in Africa..

    MTN Uganda has won a UGX380 million cash prize after being named the overall winner of the Group’s Yellow Care Campaign for 2023. ..

  • MTN machines boost Sironko women

    MTN machines boost Sironko women..

    About nine years ago, Sandra Nakayenze launched Kalaa Mugoosi Women Empowerment, a social enterprise whose main objective was to empower the rural women of Sironko District in eastern Uganda, to add value to their coffee...

  • MTN Boosts Kajjansi skilling centre with UGX17m

    MTN Boosts Kajjansi skilling centre with UGX17m..

    Five years ago, Ms Mariam Nakirijja, a community health worker, visited the Nottingham Trent University, one of the best multi-skilling institutions in England. ..

  • Monzer named new MTN South Sudan boss

    Monzer named new MTN South Sudan boss..

    The MTN Group has appointed Ali Monzer as Chief Executive Officer of MTN South Sudan, the countrys largest telecommunications company, effective April, 2024. ..

  • MTNs voice revenue rebounds amid data surge

    MTNs voice revenue rebounds amid data surge..

    MTN Uganda has posted impressive growth in voice revenue despite a surge in data demand among consumers. The telecom giant revealed that voice revenue experienced double-digit growth of 10%, fueled by increased adoption of attractive bundle offerings and aggressive subscriber growth initiatives, amo..

  • MTN scoops fastest internet award

    MTN scoops fastest internet award..

    Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, has announced MTN Uganda as the Fastest Mobile Network...

  • MTN injects UGX20m into Jinja skills institute

    MTN injects UGX20m into Jinja skills institute..

    In an ambitious effort to boost vocational training standards in Busoga and beyond, the MTN Foundation, MTN Uganda's philanthropic arm has donated state-of-the-art equipment to Heta Vocational Ground in Jinja City...

  • 118 women chosen to be MTN service providers

    118 women chosen to be MTN service providers..

    MTN Uganda has unveiled more than 100 women entrepreneurs who are to provide goods and services to the telecommunications giant, as a new initiative aimed at empowering and uplifting women-led businesses in the country...

  • Vendors get UGX10m for using mobile money

    Vendors get UGX10m for using mobile money..

    As part of its efforts to champion financial inclusion and empower women, MTN Mobile Money, in partnership with Ericsson, has rewarded women vendors at Kalerwe Market in Kampala, for encouraging their customers to use mobile money for their grocery purchases...

  • Airtel Uganda boosts UCC fund with UGX34.8 billion

    Airtel Uganda boosts UCC fund with UGX34.8 billion..

    Airtel Uganda has handed over a cheque worth UGX34.8 billion to the Uganda Communications Commission aimed at supporting the establishment of better communication infrastructure and technologies in rural areas across the country...

  • MTN contributes UGX42.5 billion to UCC Fund

    MTN contributes UGX42.5 billion to UCC Fund ..

    MTN Uganda has handed over a contribution of UGX42.5 billion in a major boost to the Uganda Communications Commission’s Universal Service and Access Fund. The amount indicates a significant increase from last year's UGX36 billion...

  • Uganda Cranes fans to receive millions from MTN

    Uganda Cranes fans to receive millions from MTN..

    In a bid to re-ignite passion for the national football team, the Uganda Cranes, MTN Uganda has launched a new campaign to identify and reward the country’s top cheerleaders ahead of the forth-coming World Cup 2026 qualifiers. ..

  • MTN offers 1.5 billion additional shares to Ugandans

    MTN offers 1.5 billion additional shares to Ugandans..

    MTN Uganda has received the green light from the capital markets regulators to sell more than 1.5 billion ordinary shares to the public...

  • MTN offers girls’ skilling initiative UGX270 million boost

    MTN offers girls’ skilling initiative UGX270 million boost ..

    Smart Girls Foundation, a Kasangati-based girls’ skilling initiative, is set to receive an additional UGX271 million from MTN Uganda as part of the MTN Girls in Tech program, which aims at equipping more than 500 girls with digital skills...

  • MTN restores five forests, set to introduce electric vehicles

    MTN restores five forests, set to introduce electric vehicles..

    In an ambitious move aimed at pioneering environmental stewardship for a sustainable future, MTN Uganda has registered tremendous success in restoring forest reserves, slashing carbon emissions and is now set to produce wind power and replace part of its fleet with electric vehicles...

  • MTN launches UGX4.5 bn project for youth

    MTN launches UGX4.5 bn project for youth..

    In January last year, Brian Tweheyo conceived the idea of a digital solution that would make renting easier for both tenants and landlords in the residential and commercial rental space...

  • MTN pays UGX40bn NSSF dividends as Fund surpasses targets

    MTN pays UGX40bn NSSF dividends as Fund surpasses targets ..

    The National Social Security (NSSF) says it ended the financial year 2023/2024 on a good note having surpassed the targets. ..

  • Huawei to set up Digital Village Prototype in Butaleja

    Huawei to set up Digital Village Prototype in Butaleja..

    President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has held a meeting with a delegation from Huawei Technologies, at which the company announced plans to establish the country’s first Digital Village Prototype...

  • ‘Uncle Money’ wins MTN’s cheer-leader money

    ‘Uncle Money’ wins MTN’s cheer-leader money..

    Team Uncle Money has been declared winners of MTN’s official Uganda Cranes Cheerleaders competition dubbed ‘Tulage faaya.’..

  • MTN gives Nawansega hospital UGX58m injection

    MTN gives Nawansega hospital UGX58m injection..

    MTN Uganda, through its philanthropic arm, MTN Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare access in Uganda with a significant donation valued at more than UGX58 million to Nawansega Health Centre III in Luuka District, in Eastern Uganda...

  • MTN half-year net profits soar to UGX295 billion

    MTN half-year net profits soar to UGX295 billion..

    MTN Uganda has announced a net profit of UGX295.7 billion for the half-year ended June 2024, driven by robust growth in voice, data, and fintech services...

  • UGX500m MTN Changemakers 2nd phase launched

    UGX500m MTN Changemakers 2nd phase launched ..

    MTN Uganda, through the MTN Foundation, has announced the launch of the second phase of the MTN Changemakers Initiative, a transformative program designed to drive positive social change across Uganda. ..

  • Digital skills for youth must be an urgent priority

    Digital skills for youth must be an urgent priority..

    "I can’t believe this is happening! We have computers now!" exclaimed Aisha Nakalema, a student at Bishop Dunstan Nsubuga Memorial School on Bugala Island, as we handed over 20 computers with free internet access to the institution. This was part of our 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, an annual..

  • MTN hands over UGX100 million Kiteezi relief

    MTN hands over UGX100 million Kiteezi relief..

    MTN Uganda and MTN MoMo Uganda Ltd, through the MTN Uganda Foundation, have made a donation of relief items valued at UGX100 million to support 200 families affected by the Kiteezi garbage landfill landslide in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District...

  • MTN donates new car to single mother of five

    MTN donates new car to single mother of five ..

    True to her surname, which means ‘God has heard my prayers,’ Night Ampurire has been described by everyone as an extremely lucky woman...

  • Kazo school gets UGX65m MTN computer lab

    Kazo school gets UGX65m MTN computer lab..

    MTN Uganda, through its corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has today enhanced the digital learning environment at St. Catherine Girls Secondary School in Kazo District, with the donation of a fully furnished computer laboratory valued at UGX65 million...

  • MTN Uganda top boss transferred to Rwanda

    MTN Uganda top boss transferred to Rwanda..

    Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, has been transferred to MTN Rwanda where he will take on a new role as Chief Digital and Commercial Officer, effective October 14...

  • MTN earmarks UGX390 million for six schools

    MTN earmarks UGX390 million for six schools ..

    MTN Uganda, through its corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has earmarked UGX390 million to establish fully furnished computer labs in six educational and training institutions across the country...

  • Only 13% of Ugandans use Internet for business

    Only 13% of Ugandans use Internet for business..

    Just one out of every 100 Internet users in Uganda are utilizing it for business or work, the 2024 National Population & Housing Census has shown. ..

  • Dubai billionaire takes over Uganda Telecom Ltd

    Dubai billionaire takes over Uganda Telecom Ltd..

    A multi-billion-dollar investor based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has acquired a majority stake in the Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited (Utel) following the signing of an agreement with the Government of Uganda. ..

  • MTN profits top UGX460 billion in 9 months

    MTN profits top UGX460 billion in 9 months..

    MTN Uganda has announced a 29.6% year-on-year increase in profit after tax, totaling Shs 459.4 billion for the nine months ending September 30, 2024. ..

  • MTN Uganda staff release 'Sunny Days' song

    MTN Uganda staff release 'Sunny Days' song..

    In a bid to use music as a catalyst for positive energy at the workplace, MTN Uganda has released “Sunny Days”, a lively tune created by MTN Uganda employees under the MTN Got Talent program...

  • Starlink internet launch pushed to 2025

    Starlink internet launch pushed to 2025..

    US telecommunications giant Starlink’s launch in Uganda has been postponed to 2025...

  • Mediage PR sweeps public relations accolades

    Mediage PR sweeps public relations accolades ..

    ..

  • MTN earmarks UGX370 billion for network expansion

    MTN earmarks UGX370 billion for network expansion..

    Telecommunications giant MTN Uganda has earmarked $100m (about UGX370) for investment in the Ugandan market. Speaking to journalists at their offices in Kampala, Sylvia Mlinge, the MTN Uganda CEO, said the capital expenditure would fund their infrastructure expansion programme countrywide aimed at d..

  • Soroti blind kids get hi-tech MTN computer lab

    Soroti blind kids get hi-tech MTN computer lab..

    MTN Uganda, through its MTN Foundation, in partnership with Sense International Uganda, has handed over a fully equipped computer laboratory to St. Francis Primary School for the Blind in Soroti, in a generous move aimed at enhancing digital inclusion for learners with disabilities...

  • Digital literacy plan in schools gets MTN boost

    Digital literacy plan in schools gets MTN boost ..

    MTN Uganda, through its philanthropic arm, MTN Foundation, is stepping up its digital literacy efforts, reinforcing its role in bridging the country’s digital divide. ..

  • Mbarara school gets UGX70m MTN computer grant

    Mbarara school gets UGX70m MTN computer grant..

    MTN Uganda, through its MTN Foundation, has donated a fully equipped computer laboratory to Revival Girls High School in Mbarara City, as part of its digital transformation agenda. ..

  • MTN nets UGX641.5bn profit in ‘landmark year’

    MTN nets UGX641.5bn profit in ‘landmark year’..

    In what CEO Sylvia Mlinge describes as a “landmark year for MTN Uganda,” the telecommunications giant recorded significant gains across all areas of its business amidst a dynamic operating environment. ..

  • Youth NGO gets UGX20m ICT grant from MTN

    Youth NGO gets UGX20m ICT grant from MTN ..

    In a bold step towards bridging the digital divide, MTN Uganda has provided ICT equipment worth UGX 20 million to the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation., a youth development focused local NGO...

  • Over 280 graduate after digital, technical training

    Over 280 graduate after digital, technical training..

    When Janat Nalwoga completed her Senior Four exams in 2022, she faced an uncertain future. With her father unable to work due to deteriorating eyesight, continuing her education seemed like an impossible dream. ..

  • MTN boosts kids with disabilities skills training

    MTN boosts kids with disabilities skills training ..

    MTN Uganda, through its corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has donated vocational training equipment to Teens and Tots Neuro Development Centre in Kira Municipality, Kampala...

  • MTN boosts Soroti school with UGX320m donation

    MTN boosts Soroti school with UGX320m donation..

    MTN Uganda, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has inaugurated new facilities including a classroom block at Ocokican Community Secondary School in Ocokican Sub-County, Soroti District, in Eastern Uganda...

  • Mbuya organization gets $65m boost from MTN

    Mbuya organization gets $65m boost from MTN ..

    MTN Uganda’s corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has handed over a state-of-the-art computer lab to the Code Compass Foundation in Mbuya, Nakawa Division, as part of its ongoing effort to bridge the digital divide through its Digital Access Program...

  • Time to walk the talk about internet access

    Time to walk the talk about internet access ..

    Last week, I revisited Uganda’s National Broadband Policy of 2018—and what I found was a compelling vision still waiting to be fully realised...

  • Judge acquits ThreeWays bosses over MTN's UGX14 bn theft

    Judge acquits ThreeWays bosses over MTN's UGX14 bn theft..

    In a ruling that has sent shivers through Uganda’s corporate and legal circles, Justice Lawrence Gidudu of the Anti-Corruption Court has acquitted two directors of ThreeWays Shipping Company who were charged with siphoning $3.8 million (about UGX14 billion) from MTN Uganda’s bank accounts...

  • MTN subsidiary unveils railway internet cable

    MTN subsidiary unveils railway internet cable..

    Bayobab Uganda, an MTN Group subsidiary, has unveiled its newest, shortest and fastest fibre optic route - from Malaba to Kampala, marking a significant expansion of digital infrastructure along the East African corridor...

  • President Museveni meets MTN top bosses at Entebbe

    President Museveni meets MTN top bosses at Entebbe..

    President Yoweri Museveni has held a high-level meeting with a delegation from MTN Group at State House Entebbe. ..

  • Govt, MTN moot ambitious digital inclusion agenda

    Govt, MTN moot ambitious digital inclusion agenda..

    It’s not often that you find a room packed to capacity with the country’s top brains in the information, communication and technology (ICT) sector, and more so if they all representing public sector institutions such as Ministries, Departments and Agencies...

  • MTN to spend UGX500m on grassroots digital drive

    MTN to spend UGX500m on grassroots digital drive ..

    MTN Uganda today kicked off the 2025 edition of 21 Days of Y’ello Care, the company’s annual employee volunteerism initiative. This year’s campaign, themed “Connecting at the Roots – Connecting Communities through Digital Tools,” is to run from June 1 to June 21, 2025, and focuses on sup..

  • MTN Y’ello Care campaign lights up Luwero

    MTN Y’ello Care campaign lights up Luwero..

    MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd on Thursday extended its 2025 edition of the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign to Luwero District, marking the second major activation of this year’s employee volunteerism initiative...

  • MTN rallies minority owners for MOMO separation

    MTN rallies minority owners for MOMO separation..

    MTN Uganda has summoned its minority shareholders for an Extraordinary General Meeting to vote for a key decision to separate its mobile money business from the telecommunications company...

  • Alur Kingdom salutes MTN over community boost

    Alur Kingdom salutes MTN over community boost..

    MTN Uganda has taken its flagship staff volunteerism initiative, the 21 Days of Y’ello Care, to the Alur Kingdom in Pakwach District, intensifying its commitment to community development with a focus on healthcare, digital inclusion, and youth empowerment...

  • MTN lifts up Busoga Kingdom young mothers

    MTN lifts up Busoga Kingdom young mothers..

    MTN Uganda and its partners have today donated digital equipment and vocational tools to the Busoga Kingdom, reaffirming their commitment to bridging the country’s digital divide and empowering youth through practical skills development...

Most Recent

Popular Links