The State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Sidronious Okaasai Opolot, has announced that at least 2.2 million energy consumers in Uganda have successfully upgraded their prepaid Yaka meters. This represents 95.5% of all meters installed for customers of Umeme and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) combined.
While presenting the statement during the plenary session on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the minister highlighted the significance of the nationwide upgrade to ensure uninterrupted electricity access following a mandatory global software update for prepayment meters. He further revealed that Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS) and West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECO) customers have achieved 100% compliance with the upgrade.
However, he expressed concern that, as of November 23, 2024, about 112,000 Umeme customers and 17,122 UEDCL customers had yet to upgrade their meters. The ministry attributed the 4.5% non-compliance rate to factors such as unoccupied rental properties, remote homes, absentee homeowners, electricity theft through meter bypassing, and legal disputes over properties.
“Efforts to ensure complete compliance include sending technicians to manually upgrade accessible meters, and ramping up communication through SMS alerts, phone calls, and public awareness initiatives. All meters installed since May 2024 are already compliant with the new prepayment system,” he stated.
The upgrade was prompted by the global Token Identifier (TID) rollover required by the Standard Transfer Specification (STS) Association. This software update is necessary to ensure that prepayment meters continue to accept electricity tokens. Without the upgrade, the meters would cease to function, preventing electricity access for affected users.
Hon. Irene Muloni (Bulambuli District) raised concerns about delays in connecting applicants to the electricity grid despite the availability of prepaid meters. Similarly, Hon. Godfrey Onzima (Aringa North) expressed frustration over the prolonged lack of actual power connections in certain areas where poles and wires had been in place for more than six years. “Voters are frustrated because they see poles but no electricity. Does the ministry’s connection target include these areas?” he asked.
Hon. Emmanuel Otala (West Budama South) sought clarification on Umeme’s role in ongoing connections as its concession nears expiration. “Constituents have reported being redirected to UEDCL, even though they are still receiving services from Umeme,” he inquired.
Kassanda District Woman MP, Hon. Flavia Kalule Nabagabe, also raised concerns about the challenges during the transition from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to Umeme and then UEDCL, which had disrupted electricity access in Kassanda.
Okaasai assured Parliament that the ministry is committed to achieving 100% compliance. He noted that technicians are working to upgrade the remaining meters, and public education campaigns are continuing. The upgrade is part of Uganda’s efforts to modernize its electricity distribution infrastructure and adhere to global industry standards.
