By Ritah Atukwatse,
KAMPALA
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) announced a three-month amnesty for individuals on illegal connections to apply for metres lest they will face legal actions.
Paul Mwesigwa, the company’s Managing Director says vandalism and illegal connections are on rise affecting the reliability and quality of supply. He warned that anyone found guilty of electricity theft will face penalties once a three-month amnesty period expires.
“We are granting a grace period of three months for people to come out and ask for meter boxes instead of stealing electricity, which is dangerous,” Mwesigwa said. “After this period, penalties will apply.”
He disclosed that 60 people have been presented to court for stealing electricity, urging the public to report any cases of electricity theft or vandalism in their communities. He also warned the public to be cautious of individuals locally known as ‘Kamyufu’ disguising themselves as UEDCL employees doing illegal connections to extort from the locals.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu says power theft disrupts electricity distribution.
According to the minister, some people are willing to steal electricity rather than obtain a meter box, which is now free.
“A meter box was at Shs 700,000, it’s now free, but people are not willing to be given the meter box but they are interested in stealing,” she said.
UEDCL has been working to improve electricity distribution in the country, including upgrading substations and expanding its infrastructure to meet growing demand. The company has connected 140,000 new customers, bringing the total number of customers to almost 2.4 million.
Both UEDCL and the ministry argued that ending electricity theft, or vandalism will help to improve the reliability and quality of power supply in the country.
