MP’s Task Gov’t to Resolve Nationwide Power Surges

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KAMPALA – Lawmakers are urgently calling on the Ministry of Energy to address the persistent nationwide power surges that have been negatively impacting numerous businesses.

The issue was raised as a matter of paramount national importance during a plenary sitting today by Hon. Herbert Ariko, the Member of Parliament for Soroti East Division.

Ariko expressed deep concern over the inadequate power supply by the electricity distribution company, UMEME, in Eastern Uganda. He emphasized the dire need for swift intervention from the Energy Ministry, highlighting that UMEME has neglected to replace transformers and maintain power lines, resulting in a severe lack of essential infrastructure.

He questioned how Ugandans could sustain their businesses and productivity under these circumstances.

CUE IN ARIKO…..ON UMEME……ENG//

Hon. Medard Sseggona (NUP, Busiro County East) voiced his bewilderment regarding the failure to implement a recommendation made by an ad-hoc committee seven years ago, which proposed the termination of the concession agreement between the government and UMEME.

Sseggona noted that even in areas where electricity is still supplied, the soaring costs have made it unaffordable for most residents, leading to the closure of businesses.

CUE IN SSEGGONA….ON THE ISSUE…..ENG//

Hon. Basil Bataringaya (NRM, Kashari North County) expressed his frustration regarding the vandalism of transformers in his constituency back in 2021. Regrettably, despite his efforts, this issue remains unresolved.

The Minister of State for Energy, Sidronus Okaasai, attributed the persistent nationwide power surges to the vandalism of transformers. He revealed that, as a temporary solution, the government had resorted to routing power from Karuma. However, the wooden transmission line between Lira and Soroti proved inadequate to handle a stable power supply capable of supporting manufacturing activities in Eastern and North Eastern Uganda.

Okaasai also disclosed that Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) is actively working on interconnectors to enhance power distribution and augment the transmission of electricity from Karuma.

Concerning the termination of UMEME’s concessional agreement before its scheduled expiry in 2025, he clarified that Cabinet had resolved not to proceed with termination due to the anticipated high costs involved.

CUE IN MINISTER OKAASAI….ON UMEME….ENG//

In light of these concerns, Speaker Anita Among urged the Minister to provide concrete and viable solutions to address the ongoing power surges plaguing the nation.