The High Court’s International Crimes Division has sentenced Muwonge Ibrah alias Kimbowa Ibrah to 10 years in prison for terrorism-related offences arising from the destruction of electricity transmission infrastructure in central Uganda.
Justice Dr Andrew Bashaija handed down the sentence after Muwonge pleaded guilty to two counts of terrorism and one count of terrorism financing under a plea-bargain arrangement.
The case arose from a series of attacks on electricity infrastructure between November and December 2022, targeting 14 high-voltage electricity pylons and poles along the Owen Falls–Lugogo, Bujagali–Kawanda, Owen Falls–Namanve and Kawanda–Kapeka transmission lines.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Jacquelyn Okui, told court that the destruction caused widespread power outages and disrupted essential services, including water supply, healthcare, manufacturing, communications, financial services and education.
The outages also caused significant economic losses and prompted the deployment of an emergency thermal power plant at Namanve to help maintain electricity supply to the Kampala metropolitan area.
Group linked to ADF
Court heard that Muwonge was a leader of a group known as the Uganda Defence Forces (UDF), which investigators linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Prosecutors said Muwonge used a WhatsApp group to recruit and mobilise youths and coordinate activities aimed at destroying electricity infrastructure.
The prosecution alleged that the attacks were part of a wider plan to sabotage government programmes, disrupt economic and social activities and ultimately facilitate the overthrow of the government.
Muwonge was also accused of financing the activities by providing money for equipment, transportation and payments to people involved in the vandalism.
Investigators relied on mobile phone evidence, including photographs, videos, audio recordings and communications, which the prosecution said linked Muwonge to the planning and execution of the attacks.
The prosecution had presented about eight witnesses when Muwonge opted for a plea-bargain arrangement.
Court considers aggravating factors
In determining the sentence, Justice Bashaija considered the deliberate and premeditated nature of the offences, the involvement of a group, Muwonge’s alleged role as a mastermind and the extent of damage caused to critical national infrastructure.
The court also considered the need for deterrence in cases involving attacks on infrastructure essential to the economy and delivery of public services.
However, the judge took into account Muwonge’s guilty plea and remorse, as well as his responsibilities as a father and breadwinner.
The court also noted that the offences did not result in loss of life.
Muwonge was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for terrorism and five years for terrorism financing, with the sentences to run concurrently.
He will therefore serve an effective 10-year prison sentence.
