WAKISO: The Directorate of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in close coordination with the Criminal Investigation Department and Kakiri Territorial Police are actively investigating circumstances under which a section of the underground fibre cable network in Kakiri, Wakiso was damaged during a site clearance for construction works, by engineer Kyambade Eddy.
According to Police, the robust underground cables for the CCTV zones in Kakiri, Wakiso, were damaged, thus disrupting the cable network of the CCTV, in Kakiri, Masuliita, Namayumba and Kikandwa.
The Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga in a statement issued on January 24, 2022, said the disruptions do affect the monitoring of security and safety of persons within the CCTV zone, thus affecting Police response to an emergency.
“Although our team of ICT experts are working on the restoration of the CCTV networks, we are getting more concerned, because this is the third incident, where our underground fibre networks are damaged, yet the protection zone is clearly marked on major roads, highways, towns and other localities,” said Enanga.
All road contractors have been cautioned to work closely with the Directorate of ICT, to ensure their plants and machinery operate in a manner that does not interfere with very critical government communication infrastructure.
Enanga also noted that damage to the underground fibre cable network has serious financial consequences, in terms of restoration.
“We are going to ensure heavy fines or costs of reinstating the fibre are felt by the construction company and further charge the driver for negligent conduct, which resulted in the damage of the fibre cable network,” he added.
In the prevention of such incidences, Enanga said security forces are also working with the Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda National Roads Authority, all cities, municipalities and town councils to harmonize and reduce fibre cable damage.