ERA Meets Lango Journalists To Build Partnership

 Lira, Uganda, over 60 journalists gathered for a lively discussion at Good News Hotel on Wednesday, organized by the stakeholder engagement officer from the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA). Mr. Kasita Ibrahim shared insights on the five main functions of ERA.

He explained that ERA operates under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, working alongside various distributors like UEGCL, UETCL, IPPS, UEDCK, UMEME LTD, and OFFGRIDS, with consumers being the ultimate beneficiaries of power distribution. Kasita pointed out that one of the major challenges ERA faces is the intentional vandalism by some individuals, which disrupts reliable power supply, particularly on the Lira-Kole and Lira-Opuyu lines, as well as the vandalism of stay wires. He noted that issues with wooden transmission lines, especially on the Mbale-Tororo route, are also significant problems, urging the media to inform the public about energy losses and the wildfires that damage wooden poles.

Daniel Olinga, the Principal Engineer at ERA's Gulu Regional Office, which oversees Acholi, Lango, West Nile, and Bunyoro sub-regions, encouraged journalists to raise awareness about reporting illegal electricity connections that lead to power loss. "We need to tackle those who steal electricity; it's a serious issue," he warned. He also discussed various tariffs, charges, and the tariff structure. According to Section 9 of the Ugandan Constitution, anyone caught stealing electricity can face a fine of 20,000 currency points, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.