The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has declared war on telecom vandals with a powerful new campaign called “Tokigeza” that promises harsh consequences for those destroying communication infrastructure. At the heart of this initiative are planned changes to the UCC Act that could see offenders facing lifetime imprisonment for damaging vital telecom equipment and misusing internet services.

UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo did not mince words when launching the campaign, painting a grim picture of how cable theft and infrastructure vandalism hurt the entire nation. “We are losing billions to these vandals,” Thembo stated firmly. “Their reckless actions don’t just affect companies – they disrupt communication in hospitals treating emergencies, schools conducting exams, and banks processing transactions. These aren’t petty crimes – they deserve the strongest possible punishment.”

The scale of the problem became clear when American Tower Corporation (ATC) CEO Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda shared shocking statistics. “Every single month, we deal with about 20 cases of cable theft across the country,” Ssemanda revealed. Each of these incidents creates ripples of disruption, leaving schools without internet for digital learning, hospitals struggling to share patient records, and families unable to reach loved ones during emergencies.

The “Tokigeza” campaign brings together all major players in Uganda’s telecom sector, including giants like Airtel and MTN, along with security agencies determined to protect communication infrastructure. The name itself – “Tokigeza” – carries a strong warning in local language, roughly translating to “We won’t tolerate this anymore.” It signals a new era of zero tolerance for the theft of underground and overhead cables, destruction of masts, or tampering with any network components that keep Uganda connected.

What makes this initiative different from previous efforts is its two-pronged approach. First, it aims to educate the public about how telecom vandalism affects everyone’s daily life. Many Ugandans might not realize that when thieves steal copper cables to sell as scrap metal, they’re actually cutting off entire communities from essential services. The campaign will use radio messages, community meetings, and school programs to build this awareness.

Second, and perhaps more significantly, UCC is pushing for changes in the law that would make the punishment fit the crime. Currently, many vandals receive light sentences or fines that don’t match the damage they cause. The proposed amendments would treat telecom vandalism as a serious economic crime, with penalties severe enough to deter even the most determined thieves.

Security agencies have welcomed these plans, noting that tougher laws will give them better tools to combat well-organized vandalism rings. Some criminals operate like sophisticated gangs, with scouts identifying vulnerable sites, teams executing the thefts, and networks for smuggling and selling the stolen materials. The new measures aim to break this chain at every level.

Telecom companies have long borne the brunt of these attacks, often spending millions to replace stolen cables and repair damaged equipment. But as MTN Uganda’s representative pointed out during the launch, the true cost goes far beyond money. “When a tower goes down in a rural area, it’s not just about lost revenue – it’s about a mother who can’t call an ambulance for her sick child, or a farmer who can’t check market prices for his crops,” they explained.

The UCC’s bold move comes at a critical time for Uganda’s digital transformation. As more services move online and mobile money becomes essential for daily transactions, reliable communication networks have transformed from luxury to necessity. The commission estimates that unchecked vandalism could slow down Uganda’s progress toward universal internet access by several years if not addressed decisively.

While the campaign focuses on punishment for offenders, it also recognizes the need to address the root causes of vandalism. Some experts suggest that poverty and lack of economic opportunities drive people to steal cables, unaware of the larger consequences. The “Tokigeza” initiative includes plans to work with local leaders in hotspot areas to provide alternative livelihoods for those who might otherwise turn to vandalism.

As the sun set on the campaign launch, the message from UCC and its partners was clear: Uganda’s communication infrastructure is the backbone of its digital future, and anyone who threatens it will face the full force of the law. With stronger penalties, better public awareness, and coordinated action between companies and security forces, the “Tokigeza” campaign aims to turn the tide against telecom vandalism once and for all.

The coming months will show whether these measures can finally stop the costly cycle of theft and disruption. But one thing is certain – cable thieves and telecom vandals in Uganda now have clear warning that their days of operating with impunity are numbered. As the campaign slogan declares loud and clear: Tokigeza – we won’t tolerate this anymore.