Parliament Demands Explanation on Unpowered Electricity Transmission Lines

“The electricity tariffs are actually higher, and in Kalangala district, the power is inconsistent, severely affecting the business community,” Nakimuli stated.

Parliament has directed the Minister for Energy and Minerals Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, to clarify the status of electricity transmission lines constructed in recent years but remain unpowered. This issue has sparked concern among MPs, who argue that the delays are causing significant losses, particularly for businesses.

During a plenary session on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, MPs highlighted the negative impact of the power crisis on various sectors. Hon. Ronald Kanyike (NUP, Bukoto East County) pointed out that in Kyetume Parish, a major tomato-growing area in Mubende District, business activities have been hampered by the lack of electricity. He shared that an investor interested in setting up a tomato preservation factory withdrew due to the absence of power, leading to wastage of the produce.

MPs expressed frustration that health facilities and manufacturers across different constituencies are also facing setbacks due to limited access to electricity, despite several projects aimed at expanding electricity access in Uganda.

In her address, Minister Nankabirwa informed Parliament that while the government secured over US$212 million from Exim Bank of China to extend electricity to 287 sub-counties, only 210 sub-counties have been connected so far. This delay has raised concerns, particularly regarding the high electricity tariffs, which were expected to decrease as a result of increased electricity consumption from the project.

"The loan was hoped to bring down electricity tariffs as it would stimulate electricity consumption. I wonder what effect this project has had on tariffs," remarked Hon. Keefa Kiwanuka (NRM, Kiboga East County).

Similar concerns were echoed by Kalangala District Woman Representative, Helen Nakimuli, who noted that despite a US$628 million loan from the World Bank for the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), which aims to connect at least one million users, electricity tariffs remain high and power supply is unreliable. "The electricity tariffs are actually higher, and in Kalangala district, the power is inconsistent, severely affecting the business community," Nakimuli stated.

Minister Nankabirwa also addressed the issue of vandalism, revealing that it has significantly compromised the functionality and reliability of constructed networks, leading to frequent outages and increased repair costs. "The rampant vandalism of project materials, mainly wires, has severely compromised the functionality and reliability of constructed networks, leading to frequent power outages and increased repair costs," she said.

Hon. Christine Apolot (NRM, Kumi District) proposed that an additional budget be allocated to connect all areas with unpowered transmission lines, with a focus on those constructed by the defunct Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa has referred Minister Nankabirwa's statement to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources for further examination. He instructed that the minister structure her responses to address common questions and consider the broader issues of delayed projects, vandalism, and compensation.