Kampala, Uganda – As Uganda navigates a changing energy landscape following the end of the Umeme concession, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has concluded a two-week intensive engagement with communities in the Tooro and Kigezi regions. The initiative, focused on Fort Portal and Kabale, aimed to address concerns surrounding electricity access, accountability, and security, and to foster a more transparent relationship between power providers and consumers. The tour underscores the ERA’s commitment to stabilizing the national grid and ensuring reliable power supply as the country transitions to a state-led distribution model.
The engagements come at a pivotal moment for Uganda’s energy sector. The shift from a private concessionaire to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) necessitates a renewed focus on accountability and consumer protection. The ERA’s proactive outreach signals a departure from a historically less-engaged regulatory approach, aiming to build trust and address long-standing frustrations regarding power outages and service quality. This move is particularly crucial in regions like Tooro and Kigezi, where reliable electricity is vital for economic growth, particularly in sectors like tourism and agriculture.
Established in 2000 by the Electricity Act of 1999, the ERA operates under the purview of the Uganda Ministry of Energy, Oil and Mineral Development. Currently chaired by Grania Rosette Rubomboras and led by Chief Executive Officer Ziria Tibalwa Waako, the agency is responsible for regulating, licensing, and supervising all aspects of electrical energy generation, transmission, distribution, sale, export, and importation within the country. The ERA’s headquarters are located in Kampala, but this recent tour demonstrates a commitment to extending its reach and engaging directly with communities across Uganda.
Addressing Accountability Concerns in the Transition to UEDCL
In Fort Portal, local leaders, including Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) and Local Council chairmen, directly challenged the ERA regarding the transition to UEDCL. The core message was clear: citizens are less concerned with the ownership structure of the electricity provider and more focused on the consistent availability of power. “Our people don’t care who is holding the wires; they care if the bulbs are on,” a local leader reportedly stated during a session at a Fort Portal hotel. This sentiment highlights the practical concerns of residents who rely on electricity for daily life and economic activity.
In response, ERA technical teams dedicated time to explaining the intricacies of the 2026 Tariff Review, outlining the investments necessary to stabilize the grid and improve service delivery. The regulator emphasized a shift towards greater accountability under the new state-led model, asserting that a more direct line of responsibility now exists between consumers and the government. This represents a significant change from the previous concession arrangement, where accountability was often perceived as diffuse and difficult to enforce. The 2026 Tariff Review is a critical component of this transition, aiming to balance the need for investment with affordability for consumers.
Strengthening Security and Combating Infrastructure Vandalism
A significant portion of the ERA’s engagement focused on the critical issue of electricity infrastructure security. Meetings with security agencies in both Kabale and Fort Portal underscored the recognition that protecting power infrastructure is a matter of national security. ERA officials reportedly shared alarming statistics regarding power theft and the vandalism of essential components like angle-bars, incidents that have resulted in widespread outages across numerous sub-counties.
The security leadership pledged a “no-nonsense” approach to combating these crimes, emphasizing the importance of community policing and increased vigilance in protecting infrastructure that supports vital sectors like tea factories and tourism. This collaborative effort between the ERA, security forces, and local communities is essential to deterring vandalism and ensuring a stable power supply. The economic impact of these disruptions is substantial, affecting businesses and livelihoods across the region.
Empowering Local Expertise and Enhancing Consumer Awareness
The ERA’s engagement extended beyond high-level meetings to include practical training for those working directly with electrical systems. In Kabale, dozens of certified electricians participated in sessions focused on the new Installations Permit regulations. The ERA stressed the importance of qualified professionals, emphasizing that the safety of homes and businesses depends on the competence of those responsible for electrical wiring. The agency warned that uncertified electricians, locally known as “kamyufu,” would face prosecution for endangering lives, highlighting the serious consequences of substandard electrical work.
Recognizing the crucial role of the media in disseminating information to the public, the ERA likewise conducted training sessions for journalists from the Kigezi and Tooro regions. These sessions aimed to equip journalists with the knowledge to accurately interpret complex tariff structures, ensuring that information regarding “Base Tariffs” and “Automatic Tariff Adjustments” is communicated clearly and effectively to the public. This initiative underscores the ERA’s commitment to transparency and informed public discourse.
Addressing Business Concerns and Promoting Economic Growth
The concerns of the business community were also central to the ERA’s engagement. Representatives from the Kigezi Business Community and the Tooro tourism sector voiced their dependence on a reliable electricity supply for their economic viability. A hotelier in Fort Portal reportedly noted, “We are the tourism capital of the world. When power goes out during a peak tourist season, our reputation suffers.” This statement illustrates the direct link between electricity access and the success of key economic sectors.
ERA representatives reassured the business community about ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including substation improvements in Kabale and planned switchgear inspections in Fort Portal. These projects are specifically designed to minimize unplanned interruptions and ensure a more stable power supply, addressing a major concern for businesses operating in the region. The ERA’s responsiveness to these concerns demonstrates its commitment to supporting economic growth and fostering a favorable business environment.
Key Takeaways from the ERA’s Western Uganda Tour
- Tariff Clarity: The ERA provided detailed explanations of the factors influencing electricity prices and the implications of the 2026 Tariff Review for consumers.
- Enhanced Security: A renewed partnership with security forces aims to combat infrastructure vandalism and power theft through increased vigilance and community policing.
- Professional Standards: The ERA is cracking down on unqualified electricians to reduce the risk of domestic fires and ensure electrical safety.
- Improved Access: Consumers were encouraged to utilize the ERA regional office in Mbarara for faster resolution of grievances and complaints.
The ERA’s two-week tour of the Tooro and Kigezi regions represents a significant step towards fostering a more collaborative and transparent relationship between the regulator, power providers, and consumers. By bringing the regulatory process directly to the communities it serves, the ERA has demonstrated a commitment to addressing local concerns and ensuring a reliable and affordable electricity supply for all Ugandans. The success of this initiative will be measured by its long-term impact on service delivery and consumer confidence.
Looking ahead, the ERA will continue to monitor the implementation of the 2026 Tariff Review and assess the effectiveness of the security measures put in place to protect electricity infrastructure. The agency’s next key milestone is the submission of its Quarterly Performance Report to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, in accordance with Section 125 of the Electricity Act, Cap. 157. Further updates and information can be found on the ERA’s official website. We encourage readers to share their experiences and perspectives on electricity access in Uganda in the comments below.