By George Bukenya
The Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa decry rampant power safety and infrastructure vandalism in various parts of the country which leads to loss of revenue to government.
Dr Nakanbirwa warned those who vandalize electricity infrastructures for they risk being charged as terrorist basing on the amendment of the Energy and Mineral Development Act.
While addressing reporters at Uganda Media Centre giving an account of the first one hundred days since government Nationalization of UMEME through Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited revealed that this is a serious challenge hampering the smooth running of their work.
She called on Resistance District Commissioners in collaboration with the respective District Police Commanders to do Intelligence and net those errant individuals who steal power and those vandalizing the infrastructures. The Minister also argued the public to do policing on vandalism habits because when it occurs they suffer most.
“The law as amended is stringent and iam confident the challenge of vandalism will be curbed down if RDC work with the different respective area police Commanders,” Dr Nankabirwa Stated.
She also urge locals to be vigilant and help government by catching errant people who vandalize electricity infrastructures.
The Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Dr.Ruth Nankabirwa decry rampant power safety and infrastructure vandalism in various parts of the country which leads to loss of revenue to government.
Dr. Nakanbirwa warned those who vandalize electricity infrastructures for they risk being charged as terrorist basing on the amendment of the Energy and Mineral Development Act.
While addressing reporters at Uganda Media Centre giving an account of the first one hundred days since government Nationalization of UMEME through Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited revealed that this is a serious challenge hampering the smooth running of their work.
She called on Resistance District Commissioners in collaboration with the respective District Police Commanders to do Intelligence and net those errant individuals who steal power and those vandalizing the infrastructures. The Minister also argued the public to do policing on vandalism habits because when it occurs they suffer most.
“The law as amended is stringent and iam confident the challenge of vandalism will be curbed down if RDCs work with the different respective area police Commanders,” Dr Nankabirwa stated.
The Manager of UEDCL Mr. Paul Mwesigwa said that government losses US dollars 7 million (UGX 21 billion) annually due to the loss of 1% of the power purchased due to illegal connections.
He also informed reporters that since he took office, 17 suspects have been caught vandalizing electricity infrastructure and have been committed to court to answer charges.
The Minister revealed that power safety is rampant in areas such as Wabigalo, Nakasongola Luweero, Mubende Hoima, Mukono, Elgon Region and Mbarara District.
First Hundred Days of UEDCL
According to Mr. Mwesigwa, the company has been able to increase power purchase from 520 Kw/hrs to 560 kw/ hr, increase investment to about 80% of the investment
A total of 40 new transformers have been put in place of the targeted 518, this have improved such infrastructure from 116 to 156 transform.
Mwesigwa also said that UEDCL is now targeting to get one million new customers within the next two years after finalizing the recruitment of human resources to about 96%.
“We get between 20-30 new applicants everyday yet we are still working on the backlog of 12,700 application but within the two months we will have done away with that number because now we have the necessary man power to work on them,’’ Mr, Mwesigwa explained.
He also informed reporters that since he took office, 17 suspects were caught vandalizing electricity infrastructure and have been committed to court to answer charges.
The Minister also revealed that power safety is rampant in areas such as Wabigalo, Nakasongola Luweero, Mubende Hoima, Mukono, Elgon Region and Mbarara Distict.
Meanwhile the minister also retaliated that the issue of UMEME is notn yet done even though they were paid a sum of US $ 118 the demand to be paid US $240 but the minister said that has invested in what they were supposed to invest in infrastructures before the end of their contract and they have a debt of Ugx 600 billion with UCTL the supplier which is a government agent.