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Uganda’s leading telecom operators, in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), have launched a countrywide initiative to tackle the rising threat of vandalism targeting communication infrastructure.
The campaign, known as “TOKIGEZA” — meaning “don’t do it” in Luganda — is jointly led by MTN, Airtel, and American Tower Company (ATC) under the rallying call “Stop the Disruption.”
This effort follows last year’s National Telecom Stakeholder Forum on Vandalism and builds on commitments made by President Yoweri Museveni to take firm action against damage to essential telecom facilities. The campaign seeks to raise awareness and mobilise communities to protect vital assets that support national connectivity.
Over recent years, telecom infrastructure across Uganda has faced increasing attacks. Thieves have stolen cables, lithium-ion batteries, generators, and fuel, causing major interruptions in service.
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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.”