Progress in electricity access, reliability and affordability is disappointing, though Kampala, Uganda | PETER TWESIGYE | Early in 2021, the government of Uganda approved a two-year plan to streamline state-run agencies for greater efficiency. The first phase of the merger targeted 77 agencies under 18 ministries. By the time …
Read More »Over 3,000 households in Namayingo connected to new solar grid
Namayingo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Up to 3,783 households and businesses in Lolwe Island in Bukoli Sub-County, Namayingo District have been connected on the hybrid solar mini-grid of 600kw capacity. Launched on Friday by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the Lolwe Island mini-grid project that started in 2017 …
Read More »MPs asked to review electricity, water tariffs
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Gateway Research Centre, a non-profit organisation has asked Members of Parliament to review the electricity and water tariffs saying it is greatly affecting the growth of businesses. The organization led by Susanie Nannozi Ggoobi, the Executive Director states that the Parliament of Uganda and …
Read More »Kenya cuts electricity costs by 15%
Nairobi, Kenya | Xinhua | Kenya’s Ministry of Energy on Friday announced a 15 percent reduction in power costs in the east African nation, handing relief to thousands of homes and industries burdened by high cost of living and production The ministry in a statement released in the capital …
Read More »Umeme extends year long payment holiday to education institutions
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Schools and other learning institutions have a one-year grace period to clear their outstanding bills, thanks to a decision by electricity distributor, Umeme. The education sector has been arguably the hardest hit by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures against it, having …
Read More »Persistent power outages irk West Nile MPs
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Legislators from West Nile have asked the government to intervene and address the persistent power outages and erratic electricity supply in the region. Led by the Chairperson of the West Nile Caucus, Lawrence Songa, the MPs met with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, …
Read More »ERA plans cheaper electricity for those using cookers at home
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Electricity Regulatory Authority- ERA, has approved a new tariff plan that is aimed at reducing electricity bills significantly for industries and domestic cooking. According to the new tariff structure, homeowners using electricity for cooking will pay Shillings 412 per kilowatt-hour (unit) starting January 2022. …
Read More »Uganda tops African Development Bank’s Electricity Regulatory Index for 4th year
Abidjan, Ivory Coast | THE INDEPENDENT | For the fourth consecutive year, Uganda’s electricity sector is Africa’s best regulated across a number of key metrics, according to the African Development Bank’s 2021 Electricity Regulatory Index. Other strong performers include East African neighbours, Kenya and Tanzania, as well as Namibia and …
Read More »Parliament to investigate UMEME over unlawful acts
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has directed the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) to inquire into allegations of unlawful conduct by Umeme officials. Among’s directive follows MPs’ outcry about the conduct of Umeme officials who they accuse of …
Read More »Stop scaring Umeme on concession, government cautioned
Umeme concession talks limits capital mobilization efforts Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | At least eight out of 10 Ugandans want the electricity sector to undergo some kind of reform with a hope that this will improve service delivery, according to a mini-survey. The poll survey featured 161 high net-worth individuals, …
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