By Diana N. Kintu
As Uganda approaches its highly anticipated Presidential and Parliamentary elections, a leading electricity provider has issued a public advisory urging customers to recharge their prepaid electricity meters in advance. The move is intended to prevent power interruptions during a period expected to witness heightened activity, increased digital transactions, and a surge in demand for electricity across households, businesses, and institutions.
The company, whose identity has been officially confirmed in a customer notice, highlighted that the primary platforms for purchasing electricity units are internet-based and may experience disruptions immediately before and after the elections. These disruptions could affect both the purchase and confirmation of electricity units, potentially leaving customers without power at critical times.
To mitigate such risks, the utility provider has recommended that consumers purchase sufficient electricity units ahead of time. Customers are encouraged to use any of the supported payment options, which include MTN Mobile Money via 1654#, Airtel Money through 185# option 4, as well as traditional digital platforms such as Payway and Interswitch. By doing so, households and businesses can avoid reliance on platforms that might be affected by high traffic or temporary outages during the election period.
“Uninterrupted access to electricity is crucial, especially during a time when communication, security, and essential services depend heavily on power,” the notice read. The company emphasised that early recharging would ensure that consumers can continue to access electricity without interruption, thereby reducing stress and inconvenience during the election period.
The advisory also underscored the importance of electricity in maintaining security systems, supporting communication networks, and enabling essential services such as healthcare facilities and financial institutions to operate efficiently. With voting expected to increase the demand for digital connectivity and electronic services, uninterrupted power supply is seen as a critical factor in ensuring both civic participation and daily operational stability.
For customers requiring further assistance, the electricity provider has made its toll-free support lines available: 0800 380 380 and 0800 280 270. Customer care representatives are prepared to provide guidance on recharging procedures, troubleshooting, and alternative payment options.
This proactive communication reflects the utility company’s commitment to service continuity and public preparedness as the nation enters a critical phase of civic engagement. By urging consumers to recharge in advance, the company aims to safeguard households and businesses against avoidable disruptions and to ensure that essential services remain functional throughout the election period.
Observers note that similar advisories have become increasingly important in the context of modern elections, where digital payment systems and electronic voting infrastructure are integral to both citizen participation and operational efficiency. Early preparation not only minimises inconvenience but also enhances overall public confidence in the electoral process.
As Uganda prepares to exercise its democratic mandate in the 2026 general elections, residents are being reminded that simple steps, such as timely electricity recharges, can contribute significantly to a smoother and more secure voting period. The utility company’s advisory serves as a practical measure to help citizens maintain normalcy and readiness during what is expected to be a busy and consequential week for the nation.