ERA warns public against illegal electricity usage

12 December 2024, 7:50 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk and Daniel Oyat Obong

The pronouncement was made by Kasita Ibrahim, who works as the Co-operator and Consumers Affairs Officer, during an engagement meeting organised by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) for all media houses in the Lango subregion. The meeting was held yesterday at Good News Hotel, Lira city.

Ibrahim stated that the meeting aimed to appreciate the outstanding performance of ERA and the government of Uganda for prioritising electricity and power as a major driver of development, alongside other key components.

He emphasised that Uganda’s electricity sector faces significant setbacks, including theft of electrical appliances, vandalism, wildfires, unreliable electricity supply, high rates of load shedding, excessive rainfall, and other challenges.

Kasita urged the community to remain vigilant and report perpetrators to the relevant authorities for prosecution. He warned that anyone caught tampering with electricity would face a fine of 20,000 currency notes (1 billion Ugandan shillings) or risk 10 years of imprisonment.

Daniel Olinga, an engineer serving at the regional office in Gulu city, highlighted Uganda’s progress toward achieving its vision of supplying power to all citizens as part of Vision 2040.

He noted that Uganda currently produces over 2,000 megawatts of electricity, up from 300 megawatts previously, driven by growing consumer demand and government efforts to foster development. Furthermore, Olinga mentioned that Uganda is set to commission two additional hydropower plants, with four more proposed for future development.

Selestino Babungi, CEO of UMEME, presented the company’s achievements and challenges during its 20 years of operation in Uganda. Babungi disclosed that 84% of the revenue collected from consumers is remitted to the government, with only 2.5% allocated to shareholders.

Despite facing challenges such as theft and power interruptions, Babungi reported that energy losses had decreased to 15.96%, while sales had increased by 11%, thereby contributing to a larger tax base. He also commended the adoption of digital systems like Yaka prepaid meters, which have improved customer service and shifted public perception of UMEME.

ERA remains committed to improving the sector’s infrastructure, with ongoing investments in the national grid and power generation.

With UMEME’s services set to close in April 2025 and the transition to UEDCL, stakeholders are optimistic that these changes will lead to a more reliable and cost-effective electricity supply for all Ugandans.