Rising Anger Over Yaka Failures

Established in 1948, the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) originally managed electricity generation and distribution across the country. Over time, UEB evolved into three separate entities: Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL), Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). This restructuring allowed private companies to manage generation and distribution, while the government retained control over transmission through UETCL.

In 2005, Umeme Limited took over electricity distribution. Despite facing initial challenges like high system losses, Umeme significantly improved the reliability of power supply. In 2011, Umeme introduced the Yaka prepayment metering system to address inefficiencies and customer dissatisfaction with traditional billing. Yaka allowed customers to pay in advance for electricity, promoting convenience. However, over the years, complaints about Yaka meters have increased. Many users report that the meters deplete prepaid units too quickly, some meters malfunction, and token loading is often problematic. These issues have frustrated customers, turning what was meant to be a convenient system into a source of contention.

In January 2024, the Ugandan government announced that by November 24, 2024, all Yaka meters would stop working, necessitating a transition to new meters and software. The Ministry of Energy reassured consumers that the switch would be seamless, but many are skeptical. Complaints about rising electricity costs and rapid depletion of Yaka units have led some customers to seek alternative energy solutions, such as solar power. Some customers claim their Yaka units now vanish faster than before, causing widespread dissatisfaction and distrust. As Umeme nears the end of its 20-year concession in 2025, concerns about its service continue to grow.

Customers are frustrated by unresolved issues, including faulty meters and unexplained billing spikes. With the company’s exit from the Ugandan market looming, consumers worry that they will continue to face challenges without effective recourse. Despite promises of a smooth transition to new meters, many Ugandans feel abandoned by both Umeme and the government, leaving them with unreliable electricity service and unresolved billing disputes.