Vandalism, unpaid bills highlighted as key challenges in 2026 tariff review

The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) has raised fresh concerns over the growing threat of vandalism on the national power grid, warning that such acts severely disrupt electricity transmission and escalate operational costs.

Speaking during the 2026 Annual Tariff Review Public Hearing held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, UETCL’s representative Noah Mwesigwa explained that vandalism on a single transmission tower often affects several others due to the interconnected nature of the infrastructure.

“When one tower is vandalised, multiple towers are affected,” he said. “To address this, we may have to invest in tower-protection or monitoring systems.”

Mwesigwa also highlighted the burden of outstanding electricity bills, noting that unpaid obligations hinder network expansion and system upgrades.

“When UGX 600 billion of unpaid bills sits on our books, it is not just a number. It directly delays projects that would have lit up communities and powered industries. This is why clearing these obligations is so critical,” he added.

The public hearing, organised by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), is part of the Government of Uganda’s efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and public engagement in the electricity sector.

The platform allows consumers and stakeholders to comment on tariff proposals and raise concerns ahead of final tariff approvals.

Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding and modernising Uganda’s distribution network.

“Every connection we install represents a home lit, a classroom powered, and a factory running. Our mission is not just to distribute electricity — it is to empower Uganda,” he said.

He added that moving toward 100% metered connections will ensure fair billing and revenue protection: “By moving towards 100% metered connections, we ensure every customer pays fairly for the electricity they use and that every unit counts towards Uganda’s development.”

ERA Board Chairperson Eng. Grania Rosette Rubomboras emphasised the importance of stakeholder participation in tariff-setting.

“The purpose of the hearing is to ensure transparency and stakeholder participation, allowing customers and stakeholders to raise concerns about current tariffs, supply issues, and make their voices heard before final decisions are made,” she stated.

ERA revealed that it had received tariff applications and proposed budgets for 2026 from UEGCL, UETCL, and UEDCL. These financial submissions form the basis for the 2026 electricity tariff, which will be adjusted quarterly throughout the year.

The three utilities presented their proposed budgets during the hearing, marking a key step in determining Uganda’s electricity pricing structure for 2026.