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On March 31, 2025, when Umeme exits the energy sector in Uganda, customers will still be able to use Yaka, the prepaid electricity service.
This system, which is owned by the government and paid through the end-user tariff, will continue uninterrupted even after Umeme’s departure. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development reassured Ugandans that all assets, including Yaka meters, would remain fully functional.
Customers will still be able to purchase Yaka units through mobile telecoms like MTN and Airtel, as well as FINTECH platforms. However, the Umeme Touch Pay platform will be decommissioned, and customers will need to use Yaka for all transactions. The transition is expected to be seamless, with no interruptions to purchasing processes.
Additionally, any unutilised Yaka units purchased before the March 31 deadline will remain valid, ensuring that no customer suffers a loss. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development affirmed that all pre-purchased units would be honored, and customers would not lose any remaining balance.
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The transition also involves no changes to meter numbers. UEDCL, the company responsible for the service, will maintain the same meter numbers for customers, preserving continuity. The Ministry emphasized that UEDCL would manage the system without requiring changes to the infrastructure or accounts.
UEDCL will also continue to operate service centers and offices. According to the Ministry, the current Umeme offices will remain functional under UEDCL. The company owns 26 of the 51 area offices, with agreements in place to continue renting premises for those still operated by landlords. The services will remain uninterrupted, allowing customers to access support and information as needed.
As for tariffs, there will be no changes. The Ministry confirmed that tariffs would remain as approved by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA). UEDCL will continue to implement these tariffs without any alterations, as the company does not have the authority to change the rates set by the regulator. Customers can expect stable pricing for their services.
UEDCL will also not introduce any new service fees. These fees are part of the approved tariff set by ERA and are borne by the customer. As such, UEDCL has no ability to alter the charges that are currently in place.
For postpaid customers, UEDCL will ensure that the payment systems are not disrupted. Payments can still be made through the same channels until further notice, and the company is committed to providing a smooth transition to the new systems. The Ministry also stated that UEDCL would continue to offer customer service through digital platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, YouTube, and other digital media, making it easy for customers to stay informed and resolve issues.
In conclusion, as the March 2025 deadline approaches, Ugandans can be confident that their electricity services will continue without disruption. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has ensured that the handover process will be smooth, with no loss of service, meter numbers, or prepaid units. Customers will continue to have access to the same channels for purchasing Yaka, making payments, and receiving support. The company owns 26 of the 51 area offices, with agreements in place to continue renting premises for those still operated by landlords. The services will remain uninterrupted, allowing customers to access support and information as needed.
As for tariffs, there will be no changes. The Ministry confirmed that tariffs would remain as approved by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA). UEDCL will continue to implement these tariffs without any alterations, as the company does not have the authority to change the rates set by the regulator. Customers can expect stable pricing for their services.
UEDCL will also not introduce any new service fees. These fees are part of the approved tariff set by ERA and are borne by the customer. As such, UEDCL has no ability to alter the charges that are currently in place.
For postpaid customers, UEDCL will ensure that the payment systems are not disrupted. Payments can still be made through the same channels until further notice, and the company is committed to providing a smooth transition to the new systems. The Ministry also stated that UEDCL would continue to offer customer service through digital platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, YouTube, and other digital media, making it easy for customers to stay informed and resolve issues.
In conclusion, as the March 2025 deadline approaches, Ugandans can be confident that their electricity services will continue without disruption. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has ensured that the handover process will be smooth, with no loss of service, meter numbers, or prepaid units. Customers will continue to have access to the same channels for purchasing Yaka, making payments, and receiving support.