Police in Kapchorwa have recovered dozens of suspected stolen water meters and taps following a crackdown on vandalism that has cost the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) more than Shs 21 million in losses.
The recovery followed a joint operation conducted on May 27, 2026, by police and NWSC officials in Kaptere Cell and London Bridge, Kawowo Ward, Central Division, Kapchorwa Municipality.
According to Fredrick Chesang, the Sipi Region Police spokesperson, the operation was carried out by a combined team led by NWSC Area Manager Moses Cherukut and headed by AIP Bashir Tumusime following intelligence reports.
During the operation, authorities recovered 29 water meters, 24 water taps, six broken padlocks, one tricycle, and one meter box from a store belonging to Derick Mwambu. Police said the recovered water meters had already been burnt into scrap.
Other suspected stolen items recovered included used saucepans, 30 saucepan lids, six jerrycans, eight axes, two plastic chairs, four weighing scales, and two hand hoes.One suspect, Brian Masakala, was arrested to assist with investigations. The owners of two stores where the items were recovered remain at large, although their identities have been withheld for investigative purposes.
Chesang said police are pursuing the suspects and their associates with the aim of bringing them to justice.
The operation follows a series of reported thefts and acts of vandalism targeting water infrastructure in Kapchorwa Municipality between January and May 2026.
According to reports from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Kapchorwa Branch, more than 150 water meters, taps, and tap stands were vandalized and stolen from customers within the municipality during the period.The stolen items are estimated to be worth about Shs 21 million.
Several cases relating to the thefts have been reported at Kapchorwa Central Police Station under various station diary references, including SD 04/11/01/2026, SD 06/02/05/2026, SD 32/19/05/2026, SD 37/25/05/2026, SD 39/26/05/2026, SD 40/25/05/2026, and SD 42/25/05/2026, among others.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals within their communities to the authorities.
Chesang said the police remain committed to protecting public property and ensuring the safety of residents. URN