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Police officers steal solar panels valued at Shs10 million
East Kyoga Police Spokesperson Mr Michael Odongo says two police officers suspected to have been involved in the theft are on the run. PHOTO BY JOSEPH EIGU ONYANGO
What you need to know:
The 10 stolen solar panels are part of the 100 panels that were stored at the sight since they were not installed.
The $19 million Soroti Solar Plant was partly funded by the European Union - Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund through the GET FiT Solar Facility equivalent to 8.7 million Euros.
SOROTI- Two police officers in Soroti District have been arrested for allegedly stealing 10 solar panels valued at Shs10 million. Their two colleagues are on the run.
The panels were stolen from the recently-commissioned East Africa’s largest solar plant located at Opuyo.
The police officers are part of a group of security personnel guarding the solar plant made up of 32,680 photovoltaic panels that can generate about 10 megawatts of power.
The plant is connected to the national electricity grid.
It was launched on 12 December 2016, by Mr Simon D’Ujanga, the state minister for energy.
This plant is expected to generate clean, low-carbon, sustainable electricity to 40,000 homes, schools and businesses in the area.
Mr Victor Gonzalez, the plant manager told police in a statement that the solar panels were stolen in November last year.
The 10 stolen solar panels are part of the 100 panels that were stored at the sight since they were not installed.
East Kyoga Police Spokesperson Mr Michael Odongo confirmed the development saying two police officers who were arrested have been produced in court and charged with theft. He said the suspects secured bail.
“The two officers appeared in court after their files were sanctioned by the Resident State Attorney,” Mr Odongo said.
He identified the suspects as Corporal Jerom Omase and SPC Paul Etubu.
Those on the run, according to Mr Odongo, are Corporal Stephen Otim and Constable Daniel Enamu.
The $19 million Soroti Solar Plant was partly funded by the European Union - Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund through the GET FiT Solar Facility equivalent to 8.7 million Euros.
