The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has officially taken over electricity supply in Uganda following yesterday’s UMEME’s handover of operations back to the government.
In response, ERA has introduced several new reforms aimed at improving electricity access, operational performance in generation, reliability, and financial sustainability.
During an engagement meeting with some of security officials at Timisha Hotel in Soroti, Engineer Kenneth Muhumuza, ERA’s Eastern Region Supervisor, emphasized the importance of security collaboration in ensuring effective electricity management.
The meeting aimed to establish a working relationship between ERA and security personnel, who play a crucial role in protecting public infrastructure.
Key topics included creating forums to facilitate information sharing on power outages, damaged electric poles, and a comprehensive management framework.
Muhumuza assured the public that ERA is committed to providing safe, high-quality, and reliable electricity.
He highlighted that customers can now make direct payments for electricity services to the provider.
Additionally, broken poles and meters will be replaced at no cost, with customers only required to pay a service fee.
He also outlined ERA’s main functions, including: licensing competent electricity operators and owners,reviewing and setting electricity tariffs, prices, and charges and supervising all power companies to ensure compliance with licensing terms.
Others are; Approving equitable electricity pricing, and advising the Ministry of Energy on sector projects.
Muhumuza also acknowledged several challenges, including vandalism, illegal power connections, and network reliability issues caused by public interference.
Security officials in attendance raised concerns regarding, the need for ERA offices in every region for improved service delivery, Government intervention in electricity supply for public hospitals, which often bear the cost of power independently, delays in connecting new customers despite meeting all requirements and poor power supply, especially during rains, which creates security risks.
They also highlighted the inability of Ugandans to seek compensation for losses caused by power outages and the need for a direct and efficient power payment system, especially in Soroti’s main market.
In response, Muhumuza reassured stakeholders that ERA is committed to monitoring power fluctuations and addressing issues immediately.
He explained that the government is attracting more investors to absorb excess power through industrial expansion and new industrial parks.
Muhumuza urged the public and security officials to promptly report broken poles, wires, and abandoned infrastructure to minimize electricity-related hazards and enhance public safety.
These new reforms aim to streamline electricity access and empower consumers with a clearer complaints and claims process, marking a significant step towards an improved electricity sector in Uganda.
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