Members of Parliament have raised alarm over an alleged Shs 100,000 fee being charged by some Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) staff for new electricity connections, calling on government to clarify official procedures and eliminate irregularities.
During the July 31, 2025, plenary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among, Kimanya-Kabonero MP Abed Bwanika questioned the extra fee being levied on households despite government efforts to expand electricity access.
“The government secured loans to increase access, and people wired their homes and paid their dues. Yet, they are being charged UGX 100,000 at electricity offices. Where are the promised poles, and when will these homes receive power? Is this fee sanctioned by the Ministry?” Bwanika asked.
Speaker Among echoed the concerns, citing similar complaints from her constituency in Bukedea District. “I thought it was unique to Bukedea, but it’s widespread. In my district, money is collected under the guise of ‘facilitation.’ When I raised it with the Mbale office, they called it a mistake,” she said.
State Minister for Energy Sidronius Okaasai condemned the fee as illegal, clarifying that the only official charge is Shs 41,300 for inspection to verify wiring and site details.
“Any additional charge is unlawful. Report such cases, and we’ll take action. Once inspection is paid for, there should be no further costs,” he stated.
The debate sparked wider concerns about electricity access across Uganda. MPs Rose Obigah (Terego), Silas Aogon (Kumi Municipality), Amos Okot (Agago North), Alfred Edakasi (Kaberamaido County), and Kayemba Ssolo (Bukomansimbi South) highlighted ongoing challenges, including unpowered poles, vandalized infrastructure, and persistent power outages.
Obigah lamented that despite the presence of poles in Terego, power has never been supplied.
“This is a refugee-hosting district. Why has power not been extended despite allocations?” she asked.
Aogon reported that 3km of vandalized lines in Kumi have gone unrepaired since 2017. Okot questioned why Agago remains unconnected while surrounding districts have electricity. Edakasi warned that unreliable power is discouraging investment in Kaberamaido.
Kayemba said Bukomansimbi’s Kasebelwa Parish has not received a single electricity pole under the NRM government, urging the Minister to publish a district-by-district electrification progress report.
Minister Okaasai acknowledged the problem of “stranded lines” and pledged that transformers would be installed and lines energized before the 2026 elections.
“Some of these lines were built by politicians without formal documentation, so new funding is required. For documented projects, implementation will proceed, with Obongi prioritized,” he said.
Baale County MP Charles Tebandeke raised concerns about cancelled connection applications after UEDCL took over from Umeme, demanding clarity on whether applicants will be reconnected or refunded.
In response, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja explained that UEDCL has shifted to a digital application system, where customers apply online, receive work order numbers via SMS, and are updated throughout the process.
“Applicants who fulfilled Umeme’s requirements will be connected without additional fees. The government is committed to streamlining the connection process and achieving universal access as outlined in the Electricity Connections Policy,” Nabbanja said.
The debate underscored persistent gaps in Uganda’s electrification drive, with MPs urging swift reforms to ensure fairness, transparency, and nationwide access to electricity.
The Source Reports.
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