By Our Reporter
Members of Parliament have raised concerns over a UGX100,000 fee allegedly charged by some Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) staff for electricity connections, urging the government to clarify the official procedure and costs for connecting properties to the national grid.
The issue was spotlighted during the July 31, 2025, plenary session, led by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and Abed Bwanika (Kimanya-Kabonero Division).
Bwanika questioned the additional fee, stating, “The Government borrowed funds to enhance electricity access, and our people wired their homes and paid their dues. Yet, at electricity offices, they’re charged an extra UGX100,000. Why is this happening? Where are the promised poles, and when will these homes get power? Is this fee a directive from the Ministry?”
Speaker Among supported Bwanika, noting similar issues in Bukedea District. “I thought this was unique to my district, but it’s widespread. In Bukedea, they’re collecting money under the guise of ‘facilitation’ for connections. When I reported it to the Mbale office, they called it a mistake,” she said.
State Minister for Energy Sidronius Okaasai declared the UGX100,000 fee illegal, emphasizing that the only legitimate charge is UGX41,300 for inspection to verify wiring and survey details. “It’s illegal to charge UGX100,000 for connections. Report such cases, and we’ll follow up. Once the inspection fee is paid, there are no further charges. I’ll investigate these allegations,” Okaasai promised.
The debate sparked broader complaints about electricity access across Uganda. MPs like Rose Obigah (Terego Woman Representative), Silas Aogon (Kumi Municipality), Amos Okot (Agago North), Alfred Edakasi (Kaberamaido County), and Kayemba Ssolo (Bukomansimbi South) highlighted issues such as unpowered poles, vandalized lines, and faulty transformers in their constituencies.
Obigah noted, “In Terego, a refugee-hosting district, poles are installed but lack power. Efforts to get Umeme to supply electricity have failed. What happened to the allocated funds?”
Aogon added, “In Kumi, vandalism has left 3km of lines without power since 2017. What is the Ministry doing?”
Okot questioned why Agago remains unpowered despite neighbouring districts having electricity, while Edakasi raised concerns about unreliable power driving away investors. Kayemba pointed out that Kasebelwa Parish in Bukomansimbi has never received a single electricity pole under the NRM government, urging the Minister to provide a detailed report on electrification progress per district.
Minister Okaasai acknowledged the issue of “stranded lines” as a government priority, promising to install transformers and connect lines before the 2026 elections. “Some lines were built by politicians without records, requiring new funding.
For project-documented lines, we’ll take action, with Obongi as a priority,” he said.MP Charles Tebandeke (Baale County) raised concerns about cancelled connection applications following UEDCL’s takeover from Umeme, asking why applicants were neither connected nor refunded.
“What caused these cancellations? Will affected applicants be refunded or reconnected? How is the Ministry ensuring transparency to prevent this in the future, and what does this mean for Uganda’s electrification goals?” he asked.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja clarified that UEDCL has upgraded to a digital application system, where customers apply online, receive a work order reference number via SMS, and get transparent updates.
“Applicants meeting regulatory requirements under Umeme will have their connections processed without additional inspection fees. The government is committed to streamlining the connection process to achieve universal electricity access, as outlined in the Electricity Connections Policy,” she assured.
The issue underscores ongoing challenges in Uganda’s electrification efforts, with MPs demanding accountability and swift action to ensure equitable access to power across the country.
Story Source: Parliament Watch
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