As it is always said, the goodness of someone will not be felt until that person disappears. Mr. President, that is what we are now feeling after the departure of UMEME from managing Uganda’s electricity. Yes, UMEME could have had its own challenges, but honestly, load shedding was not like it is now under UEDCL.
In fact, there is a need to change the name so that it can be called Uganda Electricity Darkness Company Limited instead of Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited.
I have been in Soroti for the last one week, but what happens in Soroti is a disaster. A mere small wind or cloud cover, and power goes off for two days. When you look at Japan, an earthquake can last two days, but power remains on, unlike under UEDCL, where just two birds kissing each other on the wires can cause power to go off for two days.
This situation is not only in the East; it is a general problem caused either by incompetence among UEDCL workers or by a plan aimed at earning allowances for routine work.
Even with their load shedding, for someone to connect power to their home is exorbitant.
One day, I approached their office because I wanted six poles to extend power to my village home, but I was told to pay Shs 3.5 million for each pole. Yet, the distance from the main power line to my village centre would require about 11 poles, meaning I would have to pay Shs 38,500,000. Yet, this is a service that should be provided free of charge, given that someone has to keep paying for Yaka units.
This is why I am telling Ugandans that the only option to avoid this darkness company is to invest in solar systems, whereby there will be no load shedding.
In fact, a good solar system can cost someone between Shs 3 million and Shs 4 million without having to pay for so-called Yaka units all the time. Even if there is rain or wind, the power will remain on.
In fact, if it were up to me, I would have allowed UMEME to polish UEDCL well on the operations before its contract was terminated.
What Ugandans are experiencing under UEDCL’s operations is the same as what they are going through following the transfer of UNRA’s responsibilities to the Ministry of Works and Transport.
When you look at the current roads under the Ministry of Works and Transport, they have turned into condolence roads.
In those days, UNRA could manage road maintenance and repair broken culverts. As we speak, many culverts are broken in Karamoja, Teso, and Northern Uganda, but no work has commenced.
I humbly request the President to reinstate UMEME and UNRA and direct them to operate under the supervision of our next leader, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, so that they are monitored closely to avoid repeating past mistakes.
With Gen. Muhoozi, things will move very well. All those companies were too reluctant because they were not under close monitoring, unlike the UPDF Engineering Brigade, which is currently doing a commendable job.
This will help Ugandans appreciate the services rendered by this government.
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
