The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has launched a joint security operation in Kitgum following the theft of at least 150 water meters since July 2024, in what officials suspect is an organized criminal enterprise. The thefts have caused substantial financial losses, disrupted water supply, and left the utility struggling with mounting operational costs.
Caroline Mercy Abonyo, the NWSC Area Manager for Kitgum, said the thefts have spread across several parts of Kitgum Municipality, causing significant financial losses and disrupting water service delivery. She said the first suspect was arrested in April this year, prosecuted, and fined by court, although the sentence has not yet been fully enforced. A second suspect was arrested earlier this week and remains under investigation.
According to Abonyo, the thefts started on a small scale in 2024, with fewer than 20 water meters stolen. However, the cases surged in 2025, initially around Apollo Ground before spreading to Lamit, which has recorded the highest number of thefts.
The latest incidents have been reported in Alango and Camcam Abonyo believes the thefts are being carried out by an organized criminal network rather than isolated individuals. “The first suspect we arrested was a scrap dealer, and the recovered meters had already been damaged beyond reuse. We are investigating whether the theft is purely for scrap metal or whether there is something bigger behind it. It appears to be a network,” she said.
Each stolen water meter costs approximately 101,000 Shillings to replace. However, Abonyo noted that the losses go far beyond the replacement cost. She explained that once a meter is stolen, water flows uncontrollably for hours before the damage is detected, resulting in substantial water losses and increased operational costs.
Joseph Okidi, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kitgum, confirmed that his office has received numerous complaints about the thefts, particularly from Alango Ward in Pandwong Division. He said the district is working closely with NWSC and security agencies to curb the vice.
“We held meetings with National Water and members of the community to discuss the increasing theft of water meters. We have also intensified community policing and radio sensitization campaigns to discourage the vice,” Okidi said. He confirmed that one suspect was arrested on Wednesday and remains in police custody as investigations continue-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
