Kampala — THE theft of copper wires has become rampant in the country, leading to electricity blackouts, telephone outage, ATM breakdown, drought and increased bills. The thieves are part of an organised racket responsible for stealing and exporting copper wires and water meters, according to security organisations. Their actions are motivated by increases in international copper prices.
Some of the power blackouts that ordinary citizens mistake for load shedding are a result of copper wire theft, says Said Balaba, Umeme's Copper Supplies Manager.
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