As Umeme Ltd hands over to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd the assets it has accumulated and maintained, uncertainties still linger among Ugandans.
These range from the fate of the yaka prepayment, billing system, connections and tariffs.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development as well as the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) are working around the clock to ensure minimal or no disruptions in the delivery of services. The ministry has responded to some of the common concerns of the public.
UMEME is set to exit on March 31, 2025.
Yaka, which is the property of the Government of Uganda and paid through the end-user tariff, will remain in full service even after Umeme.
All assets, including Yaka meters, will remain fully functional, and customers will continue to use Yaka without any interruptions.
Customers will continue to purchase Yaka through telecommunications (MTN and Airtel) and FINTECH platforms.
On March 31, 2025, Umeme Touch Pay will be decommissioned, and UEDCL will take over. There will be no disruption to purchasing processes.
Any unconsumed units purchased before March 31, 2025, will remain valid, and customers can continue using them without any loss.
Meter numbers will remain unchanged. UEDCL will maintain the existing system for meter accounts, ensuring continuity for customers.
Customer Service and Support: UEDCL will continue leveraging digital platforms like WhatsApp, X, Facebook. YouTube, and podcasts for customer service.
Complaints and inquiries: Complaints that remain unresolved by April 1 will continue to be addressed by UEDCL through: toll-free call center lines: 0800285285, 0800385385 and 800203088, as well as digital platforms such as WhatsApp, X, Facebook, YouTube, and podcasts.
All pending customers in the system at the time of the handover will be connected by UEDCL. No connection fees will need to be repaid.
UEDCL will follow a ‘first-come, first-served’ approach, aiming to connect customers within the first 100 days of the transition.
Offices, Tariffs and Payments:
The current Umeme offices will remain operational under UEDCL. UEDCL owns 26 of the 51 area offices previously operated by Umeme.
Agreements with homeowners for rented premises ensure the continuation of the service centers.
Tariffs will continue as approved by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA). UEDCL will implement these tariffs without any alterations, as UEDCL cannot change the tariff structure set by the regulator.
Service fees are part of the approved tariff set by ERA and are borne by the end-user. UEDCL has no authority to alter the service fee.
Postpaid customers will continue making payments through the same banks and methods until further notice. UEDCL will ensure a smooth transition of payment systems.