Senior Reporter
On Friday, the parliamentary committee on natural resources vowed to combat extortion by electricity service providers who are demanding payment before connecting residents to the newly launched free electricity service in Mitooma District.
During a monitoring visit to the recently installed electricity lines in Mitooma District, legislators, led by the committee’s deputy chairperson, Hon. Igeme Nathan Nabeeta, expressed concern that residents are being charged despite the project being free.
The committee inspected the first line in Kibaare, Rutookye town council, followed by Kyanzire in Kashenshero subcounty, and Kyamuyanga in Kabira town council to identify challenges and discuss solutions.
Alex Ainomugisha, the political assistant to Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, reported receiving numerous complaints from locals who claim they must pay bribes to UMEME and Kilembe electricity companies to get connected, despite the government’s free connection initiative.
Mitooma District Chairperson Benon Karyeija urged parliament to draft a directive to these companies, warning them to cease such practices and serve Ugandans fairly, noting that some applicants have been waiting for connections for a long time due to this issue.
Nabeeta called on local leaders to compile lists of all those who applied for connections but have not yet been served, to ensure proper follow-up and address this malpractice.
