Between 2022 and 2024, operators reported roughly 820 cable thefts, 283 fuel robberies, 90 battery thefts, and numerous site outages, some lasting more than 134 hours and affecting entire districts such as Sheema, Kaliro, and Masaka.

Nyombi Thembo, UCC’s executive director, emphasised the critical role telecom infrastructure plays beyond convenience. “It is the backbone of national growth, powering sectors like education, banking, health, and security,” he said. “Vandalism disrupts livelihoods, emergency access, and economic opportunity. TOKIGEZA represents our united stand to halt this damaging trend.”

Dorothy Ssemanda, CEO of ATC, added, “Our infrastructure connects communities across Uganda. When sites are vandalised or cables stolen, whole areas lose vital links. Despite investments in renewable energy and community development, these efforts are jeopardised without protection. TOKIGEZA is a call to all Ugandans to safeguard what keeps us connected.”